Philosophy

Science and Reason

Module code: V7080
Level 4
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Coursework

Science has a special status in our understanding of the world. Several of the earlier philosophers of the modern era were active and innovative scientists in their own right, and the model of scientific understanding has shaped the way philosophy has been done right up to the present day.

Some have tried to develop a specifically scientific kind of philosophy; others have tried to separate the task of philosophy from that of science.

In this module, you pursue questions about the relation between science and philosophy, looking in detail at particular texts (which may be drawn from any period) for which these issues are important.

Module learning outcomes

• Describe the philosophical issues raised by the special status of science which are considered in the course
• Present the familiar arguments which underlie problems raised by the special status of science
• Evaluate the arguments which underlie the problems raised by the special status of science
• Argue for the student's own view of the philosophical issues raised in the module.