CPT-10803 Philosophy of Science and Ethics

Course

Credits 3.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch

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.
- attending these meetings is compulsory.
Finally students will choose an example (preferably from their own discipline) that will be ethically analysed 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:

- small group presentation (70%);
- paper (30%).
Each component needs a minimum mark of 5.50 to pass.