| Unit name | Philosophy of Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHIL30049 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Ladyman |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
PHIL20046 Realism and Normativity |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
A central debate in philosophy of science is that concerning scientific realism: ought we to believe that the unobservable entities (electrons, black holes and so on) postulated by out best scientific theories exist? This unit will focus on topics of current interest in the epistemology and metaphysics of science with particular reference to the debate about scientific realism, hence we will discuss the nature of explanation, confirmation, laws of nature, causation, and theory-change. The unit will consist of a lecture each week together with a seminar where we will discuss some of the classic literature in the philosophy of science as well as some of the most recent contributions to the subject.
