Philosophy and bioethics

Elements of sciences philosophy

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?

Bioethics

« Philosophy and bioethics » will consist in a series of lectures by different speakers:

• Introduction to bioethics - Florence CAEYMAEX
• Bioethics of medically-assisted procreation  - Shana RIETHOF
• Which ethical assessment of GMOs in agriculture ? - Patrick DU JARDIN
• Experimenting with laboratory animals - Marc VANDENHEEDE
• Prenatal cytology: new techniques, new questions of ethics - Jean-Stéphane GATOT
• Human genome modifications and bioethical implications - Julien HANSON
• Ethical issues in stem cell research - Laurent NGYUEN

Elements of sciences philosophy

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.

Bioethics

Introduction to ethics of the life sciences (biomedicine, veterinary sciences, bioengineering)

Elements of sciences philosophy

None.

Bioethics

Solid knowledge in biology

Elements of sciences philosophy

The course consists of 15 hours of ex cathedra lectures.

Bioethics

The course takes place in Q2, over three days, from 2pm to 6pm, with two to three themed lessons per session. The precise schedule of presentations will be communicated at the beginning of the second term.



 

Elements of sciences philosophy

Face-to-face course


Further information:

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

Bioethics

Lectures.

Elements of sciences philosophy

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.

Bioethics

Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus


Further information:

PowerPoint presentations will be available after the sessions on e-campus

Elements of sciences philosophy

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.

Bioethics

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- Remote

written exam ( open-ended questions )

Written work / report


Further information:

 

Students must complete individual assignments at home. Each student must follow specific writing instructions and answer four questions assigned at random by the professors.

Assignments must be written using the template provided and downloaded on the assignment boxes created for this purpose on e-campus (one box per topic/question). The assignment instructions will be communicated in due course.

Obligations relating to the use of AI

Students are required to familiarize themselves with the ULiège Charter on the use of generative intelligence in academic work in order to use it in a thoughtful, responsible, critical, and transparent manner:

https://www.student.uliege.be/cms/c_19230399/fr/faq-student-charte-uliege-d-utilisation-des-intelligences-artificielles-generatives-dans-les-travaux-universitaires

Regarding this course, students are required to comply with the following rules:

 

Prohibited use

The use of artificial intelligence is prohibited, except for use as a language assistant: this assistance relates to the improvement (wording, formatting, etc.) of texts that you have written. It is comparable to existing spelling and grammar checkers.

In the event of suspected unauthorized use of AI, the instructor reserves the right to summon the student to an oral exam, the grade of which will constitute the final grade. This exam will be solely for the purpose of verifying knowledge of the subject matter in order to rule out the unauthorized use of generative AI. The time slot for this possible oral exam will be announced in the exam schedule. The student concerned will be notified as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours before the exam. If the oral exam confirms the instructor's suspicion, the student may be given an "F" grade in accordance with the provisions of the RGEE, with the possibility of disciplinary proceedings. If the instructor's suspicion cannot be confirmed or if doubt remains, the traditional grading system will be applied.

Declaration of use

If the student uses artificial intelligence as a language assistant, he or she must declare its use in the introduction to their work, mentioning the type of assistance requested (rephrasing, summarizing, analysis, brainstorming, linguistic correction, documentary research, etc.). Any omission or concealment of the use of AI may be considered a violation of academic integrity rules.

Precautions for use

- The use of artificial intelligence is permitted with caution and a critical mind: remember that artificial intelligence is not really "intelligent" and that it produces numerous errors, biases, or completely fabricated information on a daily basis.

- Artificial intelligence must be used with all necessary precautions: a critical eye on the answers provided, systematic verification of sources and information.

- The use of artificial intelligence must not hinder your personal reflection, which is what makes your written work so valuable.

- Artificial intelligence can support your personal work, but it cannot replace it.

Additional information : what is AI ?

By "AI," we mean conversational agents such as ChatGPT, as well as any other AI-integrated tool that can write, synthesize, analyze data, etc., including the responses provided automatically by certain search engines.





 

 

Elements of sciences philosophy

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.

Bioethics

Specific instructions for writing assignments are sent via e-campus after the lessons have been held.

Elements of sciences philosophy

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

Bioethics

Addresses of Professorss. Please indicate a clear Subject line in your emails.

 

F.Caeymaex@uliege.be

patrick.dujardin@uliege.be

Marc.Vandenheede@uliege.be