PhD Course in Philosophy of Science (DUH102)
The social sciences and the humanities give rise to fundamental philosophical debates of an epistemological, methodological, ontological, and axiological nature. This course provides an introduction to some of the most important of these debates.
Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.
Course code
DUH102
Version
1
Credits (ECTS)
5
Semester tution start
Spring
Number of semesters
1
Exam semester
Spring
Language of instruction
English, Norwegian
Content
The course will give a broad orientation on central issues in the philosophy of science related to the social sciences and the humanities (‘the human sciences’). The main topics are:
Objectivity and the role of values in the human sciences.
Scientific confirmation.
Feministic perspectives on science.
Social ontology and constructivism.
Scientific explanation.
Individualism versus holism.
Fundamental questions related to qualitative and quantitative methodology.
Learning outcome
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The student will gain knowledge of fundamental philosophical issues related to the human sciences.
The student will understand the relevance of these philosophical issues for scientific research.
Skills
The student should be able to facilitate critical reflection and argumentation on presuppositions that are often taken for granted within their own research tradition or within science as a whole.
The student should be able to relate discipline-specific topics to broader reflections and concepts in the philosophy of science.
General competence
The student should be able to participate in debates within the philosophy of the human sciences.
The student should be able to clearly communicate their position on issues related to the philosophy of the human sciences.
Required prerequisite knowledge
Exam
Form of assessment | Weight | Duration | Marks | Aid |
---|---|---|---|---|
Individual paper | 1/1 | Passed / Not Passed |
Coursework requirements
At least 75% attendance.
Course teacher(s)
Study Program Director:
Hein BerdinesenCourse coordinator:
Ståle GundersenCourse teacher:
Ulrich DettweilerCourse teacher:
Hein BerdinesenMethod of work
The course will be delivered through five full-day seminars. Students are encouraged to actively participate in the seminars and group discussions.
A detailed timetable will be made available at the beginning of the semester.
Overlapping courses
Course | Reduction (SP) |
---|---|
PhD Course in Philosophy of Science (DSP102_2) | 5 |
Open for
PhD candidates enrolled in PhD programmes at the University of Stavanger and at cooperating research institutions may participate in the course.
Admission requirements