Philosophy of Science and Moral Philosophy (MHV140)

This course deepens themes and issues in philosophy of science and moral philosophy pertaining to health sciences. It proceeds from the everyday practice of care to analyse how we acquire knowledge and science of what humans beings are and how we should care about human beings. From this the student is expected to develop contextual sensitivity, independent judgment and argumentative skill. Here philosophy of science deals with the most fundamental concepts in attaining knowledge and science about health, while moral philosophy deals with the most fundamental concepts in pursuing care and treatment for health.


Course description for study year 2023-2024

Facts

Course code

MHV140

Version

2

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English, Norwegian

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

This course gives a deepened and critical understanding of themes and issues in philosophy of science and moral philosophy pertaining to health science through primary sources. Philosophy of science deals with the most fundamental concepts in attaining knowledge and science about health, while moral philosophy deals with the most fundamental concepts in pursuing care and treatment for health. Conceptual clarity is decisive for empirical research and crucial for a society that increasingly relies on evidential claims in the health sciences for funding and governing.

Learning outcome

Upon completion of this course, the students are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The candidate:

  • has advanced knowledge and critical understanding of philosophy of science in health sciences
  • has advanced knowledge and critical understanding of moral philosophy in health sciences

Skills

The candidate:

  • can analyse how knowledge, science, care and other fundamental concepts of human beings are first learnt in living a human life and then taken up in health sciences
  • can analyse the relationships of fundamental everyday concepts (such as care, trust, mind, and body) on the one hand and scientific and moral concepts (such as physiology, psychology, virtue, and duty) on the other hand
  • can analyse how the interhuman is fundamental to knowing and caring about humans, and how knowledge and science of the interhuman is achieved in dialogue
  • can differentiate between conceptual and empirical investigations
  • can evaluate different concepts of knowledge, science and morality
  • can argue in writing for a conclusion about the philosophy of health sciences
  • can analyse and assess professional contexts and traditions

General competence

The candidate:

  • can creatively analyse and critically assess scientific and moral issues in health sciences
  • can identify and articulate relationships between the health sciences and the methodological and ethical considerations of clinical research
  • can reflectively apply advanced knowledge to everyday healthcare practice

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Recommended prerequisites

Ex.Phil. or equivalent introductory course to philosophy.

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Semester work 1/1 Letter grades All

Individual semester paper of 3,000 words (+/-10%) excluding title, table of contents and reference list.

Method of work

Forms of work will include lectures, conversations, group work and individual work on campus and/or digital platform. A major emphasis will be placed on self-study. Active student participation and close dialogue between students and teacher are the constituent elements of the pedagogical forms of work.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Philosophy of Science and Ethics (MHV140_1) 10
Research Methods, Theory of Science, and Ethics (MSS100_1) 10

Open for

This course is open to all Master's students. Candidates with a relevant Bachelor's degree may apply for admission to the course if there are places available.

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course coordinator, the student representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

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