YML-80303 BSc Thesis MLS Part 1: Philosophy of Science and Ethics

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch and/or English

Contents:

General introduction into the philosophy of science and ethics.

Learning outcomes:

Students are expected to be able to;
- form a reasoned and informed opinion about the scientific and social functioning of the scientific discipline they are interested in;
- read, understand and discuss some preliminary philosophical literature;
- 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 related to the BSc thesis part 2) 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.

Examination:

Students will have to pass the mentioned test (see above) with a score higher than 5, and will have to write a paper that replaces the final exam. The score for this paper will be used as final mark (or testimonium).