Philosophy of science (MSO120)

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.


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

See course description and exam/assesment information for this semester (2024-2025)
Facts

Course code

MSO120

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

Norwegian

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

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

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Written assignment 1/1 4 Days Letter grades

Course teacher(s)

Study Program Director:

Brita Gjerstad

Course teacher:

Jan Otto Jacobsen

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's Degree Programme

Course assessment

The faculty decides whether early dialogue should be conducted in all or selected groups of courses offered by the faculty. The purpose is to gather feedback from students for making changes and adjustments to the course during the current semester. In addition, a digital evaluation, students’ course evaluation, must be conducted at least once every three years. Its purpose is to collect students` experiences with the course.

Literature

The syllabus can be found in Leganto