All programmes > Philosophy of Science / Natural Philosophy : Advanced Course

Philosophy of Science / Natural Philosophy : Advanced Course (B-KUL-W0T14A)

This is a translated version. Original version in Dutch.
6 ECTSDutch39 First termCannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Wenmackers Sylvia (coordinator) |  Maes Christian |  Wenmackers Sylvia |  Struyve Ward (substitute)
This course is taught this academic year, but not next year. This course is taught this academic year, but not next year.
POC Wijsbegeerte (Nederlandstalig)

Aims

The aim of the course is two-fold:

  • In depth study of topics in philosophy of science. In particular: making students familiar with recent literature related to a well-defined theme of philosophy of science (annual theme). Learning how to develop and evaluate arguments.
  • Introducing students to knowledge from the natural sciences that is relevant for debates in philosophy (annual theme). In particular: giving insight into the history, the processes, and the results of the modern natural sciences. Learning how to analyze and critically evaluate texts on these topics.

At the end of the course the student should be able to:

  • define and explain basic concepts related to the annual theme;
  • deal with primary texts of philosophy of science in a scientific way;
  • understand and critically assess viewpoints regarding the philosophical implications of the modern natural sciences;
  • situate the discussed problem(s) in a broader context;
  • distinguish and explain the various positions in a debate on philosophy of science;
  • explain, compare, and relate ideas and arguments in discussed texts;
  • develop arguments related to the assigned topics;
  • forward and defend connections, insights, and analyses in a discussion;
  • write down one's own insights and those of others in a well-structured and well-argued text.

Previous knowledge

Participants of this course are expected to have the knowledge and skills of someone who has completed (1) a Bachelor's programme of philosophy or (2) a Bachelor's programme of science (including an introductory course in philosophy).

  • Participants belonging to group (1) should have followed an introductory course on philosophy of science; for instance: Wetenschapsfilosofie (W0AB7A). Furthermore, they should be familiar with the history of philosophy and have basic knowledge of the various sub-domains of philosophy.
  • Participants belonging to group (2) should have followed a general introductory course on philosophy; for instance for the Faculty of Science: Wijsbegeerte (G0U44A or G0Q80A). Furthermore, they should be familiar with the basic concepts of their own discipline. They should also be experienced in reading scientific texts and be motivated to get acquainted with philosophical texts.

A good (passive) knowledge of English is required of all students, because the majority of recent articles in philosophy of science and natural philosophy are only available in English.

 

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

6 ects. Philosophy of Science / Natural Philosophy : Advanced Course (B-KUL-W0T14a)

6 ECTSDutchFormat: Lecture39 First term
Maes Christian |  Wenmackers Sylvia |  Struyve Ward (substitute)
POC Wijsbegeerte (Nederlandstalig)

Content

The annual theme for 2024–2025 is fundamental experiments from physics and foundations of quantum mechanics. The course will be co-taught by Ward Struyve.

Course material

All course materials will be made available via Toledo.

Language of instruction: more information

This course is taught and evaluated in Dutch. (The paper can be written in English per student’s request.)

A good passive knowledge of English is required for reading the articles that we will discuss.

Format: more information

Lectures with discussions.

Before certain lectures, there will be reading assignments (for instance, an article or a book chapter, sometimes a video). Students have to study this material independently, sometimes guided by a specific task description.

Participation in the lectures is mandatory for this course. (In case of absence, contact the ombudsperson.)

Evaluation

Evaluation: Philosophy of Science / Natural Philosophy : Advanced Course (B-KUL-W2T14a)

Type : Partial or continuous assessment with (final) exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Oral, Paper/Project, Participation during contact hours
Type of questions : Open questions
Learning material : Course material

Explanation


The evaluation is based on three elements: the participation in discussions during all sessions, the paper, and the oral open-book examination.

  • Written preparation for and participation in the discussion counts towards 10% of the evaluation. Remark: this part is mandatory to be allowed to participate in the oral exam and cannot be retaken.
  • The paper between 2500 and 3000 words counts towards 45% of the evaluation.
  • The oral open-book examination counts towards 45% of the evaluation.

Students are expected to inform themselves about the faculty guidelines for papers and bibliographical referencing and about the faculty guidelines with regard to plagiarism.

Information about retaking exams

The second examination attempt is limited to (re)submitting the paper and (re)taking the oral exam. Participation and discussion cannot be retaken. The student who in the course of the academic year did not attend class as required or who did not participate in the discussion will again receive the result ‘NA’.