Course

Philosophy of science (MSO120)

Facts

Course code MSO120

Credits (ECTS) 10

Semester tution start Autumn

Language of instruction Norwegian

Number of semesters 1

Exam semester Autumn

Time table View course schedule

Literature The syllabus can be found in Leganto

Introduction

The course deals with the philosophy of science and the metatheoretical relationship between different sciences and disciplines, and to what extent and on what premises it is possible to acquire scientific knowledge. Basic philosophy of science concepts and key branches of philosophy of science are studied, with a focus on the theory of social and human sciences.

Content

The following topics will be studied:

  • The relationship between different sciences and disciplines.
  • The philosophy of science.
  • Theory of social and human sciences.
  • Reality and perception of reality, and criteria for cognition, knowledge, insight, truth and probability.
  • Basic philosophy of science concepts.
  • Key branches of philosophy of science.

Learning outcome

After successfully completing the course, students will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

  • Candidates will acquire an understanding of basic and general philosophy of science positions and branches.

Skills

  • Candidates will develop a basic ability and skills to reflect on and study the relationship between theory and empirical data in scientific questions and issues.

General competence

  • Candidates will have developed a meta-theoretical and epistemological understanding of human and social phenomena in general, and research-related topics and methods in particular.
  • Candidates will have developed the ability for basic critical thinking and reflection on an academic and theoretical basis.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Written exam

Weight 1/1

Duration 6 Hours

Marks Letter grades

Exam system WISEflow

Students who fail the re-sit or re-scheduled course examination must take the next ordinary course examination together with the subsequent year group. The compulsory activities that have already been approved do not have to be retaken. Students must take the examination in accordance with any new and revised course description, but decide themselves whether to follow teaching in the new examination semester.

Method of work

It is strongly recommended that students attend and follow all teaching activities, as the syllabus will be both elaborated upon and supplemented.

Open for

Social Studies - Master

Course assessment

The faculty decides whether early dialogue will be held in all courses or in selected groups of courses. The aim is to collect student feedback for improvements during the semester. In addition, a digital course evaluation must be conducted at least every three years to gather students’ experiences.

Contact

Study Program Director:
Brita Gjerstad
Course coordinator:
Jan Otto Jacobsen

Offered by

Faculty of Social Sciences

Department of Social Studies

The course description is retrieved from FS (Felles studentsystem). Version 1