2024-2025 / PHIL0201-1

Elements of sciences philosophy

Duration

15h Th

Number of credits

 Bachelor in chemistry2 crédits 
 Bachelor in geology2 crédits 
 Bachelor in physics2 crédits 

Lecturer

Pieter Thyssen

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course offers an introduction to the major 'classical' questions in the philosophy of science by exploring the answers provided by key figures such as the logical empiricists, Popper and Kuhn.

Some central questions of the course:

- How are scientific theories developed and tested?
- What criteria are used to accept or reject a scientific theory?
- What is a scientific explanation?
- What are laws of nature?
- Is there genuine scientific progress?
- Does the validity of a theory's predictions imply that the theory is true?
- Can non-physical disciplines be considered sciences?

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

1. Introduce students to the major 'classical' issues in the philosophy of science, such as the problem of induction, scientific explanation, the role of natural laws, causality, as well as the verification and falsification of scientific theories.

2. Analyse the underdetermination of theories by empirical data, the question of scientific progress, scientific realism, as well as the debates on the reduction and emergence of scientific theories.

3. Introduce students to some specific themes in the philosophy of physics, chemistry and biology, such as the notion of time in special relativity, the measurement problem in quantum mechanics, the reality of atoms and molecules in chemistry, and the problem of species in biology.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

None.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course consists of 15 hours of ex cathedra lectures.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Although the course will primarily be in person, some sessions may be held online.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
- MyULiège


Further information:

There is no syllabus.

The slides presented during the lectures will be made available to students (in PDF format on eCampus) throughout the semester.

Additional readings

Most of the issues that will be covered during the course are introduced and discussed in:

- Philosophy of Science: A Very Short Introduction, by Samir Okasha (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016, second edition, 160 pages)

- Philosophy of Science: Key Concepts, by Steven French (London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2016, second edition, 240 pages)

These books are recommended for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the subject, but are not required for the course.

Written work / report

Continuous assessment


Further information:

Components of the evaluation

Final grade = attendance (mandatory, ungraded, 0%) + written assignment (100%).

Class participation

Students must actively participate in class discussions. Therefore, attendance at each session is mandatory.

Written assignment

The written assignment will consist of an in-depth analysis of a concept or problem chosen by the student, and approved in advance by the professor. The assignment should be submitted to the professor on the day of the exam.

Particular attention will be given to the student's ability:

- to present the key theses and concepts related to their topic in a clear and concise manner,
- to develop them by drawing on the relevant philosophical literature, and
- to highlight the issues and significance for their specific field of study.

Detailed instructions for completing this assignment will be provided and explained in full during the first class.

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

The course takes place in the second semester (February-March), on Wednesdays, from 10:45 to 12:45.

Schedule and course plan: A detailed course plan is available below or under the "course support" tab.

Contacts

Prof. Pieter THYSSEN

Department of Philosophy
Building A1, 2nd floor
Place du 20-Août, 7
B-4000 Liège

p.thyssen@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs