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Philosophy Of Science

Key information

  • Module code:

    6AANA026

  • Level:

    6

  • Semester:

      Spring

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

Science is a source of a great deal of our knowledge about the world, but what gives it its claim to epistemicauthority? Is there something special about the scientific method, or is it an extension of everydayreasoning? To what extent can science tell us about things we can't observe? This module will also explorequestions in the metaphysics of science concerning the nature of laws, explanation, and inter-theoreticrelations.

Assessment details

Summative assessment: 1 x 2-hour exam (100%)

Formative assessment: 1 x 2,500-word essay

Learning outcomes

  • An understanding of certain central topics in contemporary philosophy of science
  • An understanding of the place of these topics in wider philosophy
  • An ability to use the techniques of philosophical argument to analyse and discuss questions arising from the study of these topics
  • Transferable skills:
  • analysing arguments
  • constructing a coherent and effective argument
  • writing a clear and well-structured essay around an argument

Teaching pattern

One one-hour weekly lecture and one one-hour weekly seminar over ten weeks. 

Suggested reading list

  • Bird, A. (2007). What is scientific progress? Noûs, 41:64–89.
  • Bogen, J. and Woodward, J. (1988). Saving the phenomena. Philosophical Review, 97:302–52.
  • Clark Glymour(1980) , “Why I am Not a Bayesian” in his Theory and Evidence, Princeton, PUP , pp. 63–93; also in Papineau (1996), pp. 290–313.
  • Michael Huemer (2009) Explanationist aid for the theory of inductive logic. British Journal for the Philosophy of Science 60: 345–75.
  • Fahrbach, L. (2011). Theory change and degrees of success. Philosophy of Science, 78:1283– 92.
  • Magnus, P. D. and Callender, C. (2004). Realist ennui and the base rate fallacy. Philosophy of Science, 71:320–38.
  • Hardwig, J. (1991). The role of trust in knowledge. Journal of Philosophy, 88: 693–708.

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.