APP-30303 Philosophy of Science and Ethics for Landscape Architecture and Planning

Course

Credits 3.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures12
Tutorial12
Self-study12
Course coordinator(s)prof. dr. FWJ Keulartz
drs. LFP Pijnenburg
Lecturer(s)prof. dr. FWJ Keulartz
drs. LFP Pijnenburg
Examiner(s)prof. dr. FWJ Keulartz

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

SAL-10306 Human Geography, LUP-22806 Spatial Planning Theory and Methodology, LAR-22806 Landscape Architecture Theory and Aesthetics

Continuation courses:

LAR-60318 Atelier Landscape Architecture and Planning, LAR-32306 Design Theory, LUP-32806 Planning Theory, SAL-33306 Space, Place and Society

Contents:

This course will focus on the scientific, ethical and esthetical dimension and/or qualities of landscape architecture and planning as a scientific enterprise and a practical activity. The widely debated demarcation between science and non-science will be discussed head on from the point of view of recent developments in the philosophy of science (theory of paradigms and 'post-normal sciences'), while also the different theoretical-methodological approaches (phenomenology, hermeneutics, functionalism etc.) will be critically studied with an eye to their practical implications. The problems, opportunities and possibilities of the application of science and technology within societal contexts will have our special attention; this will lead us into different conceptions of progress, solutions and improvement. A variety of schemes for moral reasoning will be offered to understand and handle the ethical issues and problems that call for scientific-technological interventions but also accompany these interventions themselves as (unintended) consequences.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course, students are expected to be able to:
- give a systematic overview of the key topics of the philosophy of science and ethics of landscape architecture and planning;
- demonstrate detailed understanding of the scientific, ethical and aesthetical perspectives within the field of landscape architecture and planning;
- assess and evaluate the arguments within current debates about landscape architecture and planning.

Activities:

Interactive lectures, work-groups, self study.

Examination:

To be determined.

Literature:

To be determined.

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: MLPLandscape Architecture and PlanningMSc1AF