Unit name | Philosophy of Natural and Social Science |
---|---|
Unit code | PHIL20037 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | I/5 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
Unit director | Dr. Tudor Baetu |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of Philosophy |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
The chief question discussed in this course is whether the methods determined by philosophers of science in relation to the natural sciences ought to be considered a good model for the methods of the social sciences (e.g. anthropology, economics, sociology, psychology etc.). We will look at theories of scientific explanation, prediction, causation and laws; discussing them in relation to both the natural and social sciences. We will also examine some general topics in the philosophy of the social sciences including the explanation and interpretation of action, reductionism and methodological individualism, rational choice theory and relativism. Finally, we will examine some recent work in social science draws upon theory and tools from the natural sciences.
By the end of the unit, students will be expected to be able to:
1 hour lecture and 1 hour seminar per week.
Formative: two 2,000-2500 word essays designed to test the intended learning outcomes.
Summative: one 3-hour unseen exam designed to test the intended learning outcomes.
Key Reading:
Daniel Steel and Francesco Guala (eds) The Philosophy of Social Science Reader