Duration
15h Th
Number of credits
| Bachelor in chemistry | 2 crédits | |||
| Bachelor in geology | 2 crédits | |||
| Bachelor in physics | 2 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
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.
Note on the use of generative artificial intelligence
In accordance with the ULiège Charter on the use of generative artificial intelligence in academic work, students may use artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, freely when it acts as a language assistant or information search assistant. However, the professor strongly opposes the use of AI to develop intellectual laziness, plagiarism, or other breaches of academic honesty. Instead, the professor advocates for the critical and transparent use of AI and will offer guidance to students whenever possible. If AI is used, the student shall mention its use and purpose in a note at the end of the work.
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.
Office hours
Students are strongly encouraged to attend the professor's office hours. While entirely optional, these meetings offer a valuable opportunity to clarify philosophical questions discussed in class and to explore related topics. Office hours will be announced at the beginning of the semester.
Contacts
Pieter THYSSEN
Department of Philosophy
Building A1, 2nd floor, room A1/2/32B
Place du 20-Août, 7
B-4000 Liège
p.thyssen@uliege.be