Theory of Science

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

1 to present basic information on the phenomenon of science (scientific language, exploratory cognition and its products, including practical and technological applications of "pure" science, scientific knowledge as a base for education; scientific and research institutions
2 to indicate elements which are common to all sciences (forms of knowledge, scientific language)
3 to point to the distinctive characteristics of different types of sciences, as well as sciences of science (meta-science)
4 to present he concept of scientific method (unity of science and methodological pluralism)
5 to describe stages of scientific research (from posing a knowledge-generating question, through observation, to the construction of theory and its verification)
6 to describe structure [nature of science] and dynamics of scientific theory (the problem of revolutionary changes - cumulative and anti-cumulative views, the social dimension of science - a community of scientists and paradigms)

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Syllabus

1. Scientific language, aim, subject and methods of science.
2. Different scientific methods in the context of stages of scientific inquiry and methodological pluralism.
3. Nature of science and the diversity of sciences and their applications.
4. Structure and dynamics of scientific theories.
5. Methodological debates as an example of diversity of theoretical and practical solutions in science.

Reading list

Obligatory

1. Baggini J., Fosl P.S., The Philosopher’s Toolkit: A Compendium of Philosophical Concepts and Methods, Second Edition, Blackwell Publishing, 2010.
2. Rosenberg A.,McIntyre L., Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary Introduction, Fourth Edition, Routledge, 2020.

Optional

1. Cartwright N., A Philosopher Looks at Science, Cambridge University Press, 2022.
2. Cartwright N., Hardie J., Montuschi E., Soleiman M., Thresher A.C., The Tangle of Science Reliability Beyond Method, Rigour, and Objectivity, Oxford University Press, 2022.
3. Mantzavinos C., Explanatory Pluralism, , Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2018.
4. Nowak L., The Structure of Idealisation, Towards A Systematic Interpretation Of The Marxian Idea Of Science, D. Reidel Publishing Company,1980.
5. Udehn L., Methodological individualism: Background, history and meaning, Routledge, London 2001.
6. Value-Free Science ? Ideals and Illusions, ed. H. Kincaid., J. Dupre, A. Wylie, Oxford University Press, Oxford 2007.