APP-10303 Philosophy of Science and Ethics

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Studiepunten 3.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

Contents:

General introduction into the philosophy of science and ethics

Aims:

The aim of this course (with regard to non-philosophy students) is the formation of a reasoned and responsible opinion about the scientific and social functioning of the scientific discipline one is interested in. Two key questions are: "what is science and technology?" and "what is ethics?". Students are expected to use some philosophical literature and to apply theoretical knowledge to concrete examples.

Activities:

Students will attend first some four lectures and will take part in a test (maximum 45 minutes) about the thus far acquired knowledge. Literature will be made available during the first meeting. After that a 'step by step ethical manual' will be discussed and applied in 3 or 4 meetings, using concrete examples. Finally students will choose an example (preferably from their own discipline) that will be ethically analyzed and discussed in a paper, using the same ethical manual as their point of departure. Not more than two students can write one paper.