FIL2900 – Major - Philosophy of Science

Course content

The course focuses on selected topics in the philosophy of science. Contents may vary between general philosophy of science and philosophical problems connected to specific sciences, such as biology or physics. Relevant topics may be:

  • scientific explanation
  • causality
  • scientific realism (to what degree are scientific truths and the objects of science objective?)
  • the biological species concept
  • philosophical problems regarding the theory of evolution
  • space and time
  • interpretations of Quantum mechanics

Learning outcome

After having completed this course, you should be able to:

  • document a solid understanding of problems in the philosophy of science
  • understand and evaluate different perspectives critically and by using arguments
  • demonstrate an overview of differences, similarities and connections between different perspectives in the general philosophy of science or specific sciences such as biology or physics.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

We recommend you take either FIL1002 – Innf?ring i erkjennelsesteori og vitenskapsfilosofi or a similar course, or that you take one or several courses in life science/natural science (for example medicine, biology, chemistry or physics) first. Students with other backgrounds but with an interest in philosophy and life science are also welcome to take the course.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

12 double sessions with a combination of lectures and seminars. The course has the following compulsory activities:

  • A draft of the components in the portfolio (see Canvas for deadlines)
  • Commenting on a fellow student`s draft (peer review)
  • Short weekly assignments (More information will be given in Canvas.)

All the activities must be completed and judged satisfactory in order to be able to take the exam.

This is how you apply for valid absence from / postponement of obligatory activities.

Examination

A portfolio exam of 10-12 pages in total which consists of 2 essays of 5-6 pages each, literature list not included. You submit the portfolio in Inspera within the given deadline and the portfolio is given one final grade. Supervision will be given.

All the compulsory activities must be completed and judged satisfactory in order to qualify for the exam.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO