LV EN RU DE FR

Philosophy of Science

Course developers

Course abstract

The aim of study course – development of philosophical knowledge for master students’ about science, scientific research, and topical problems of philosophy of science. Master students acquire advanced understanding of science, its methods, criteria of scientific knowledge, and topical philosophical issues in various branches of science. The course pays attention to the history of science in wider philosophical and cultural context, and to the ethical aspects of science and technology. The course develops interdisciplinary understanding and critical thinking. In addition to lectures the course includes studies of philosophical texts, discussions in seminars and presentations of students’ papers.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge: a student knows and understands philosophical terminology and conceptions included in the course’s programme as well as their argumentation – final test, student’s paper and its presentation.
Professional skills: a student is able to select and critically evaluate information related to philosophy of science, clearly formulate topical philosophical and interdisciplinary problems related to philosophy of science, to analyse and critically evaluate problems related to philosophy of science – argumentation in seminars, student’s paper and its presentation.
Soft skills: a student is able to plan tasks responsibly, to analyse philosophical texts, critically and tolerantly assess various views, to select information, to justify his/her views in discussions and presentations – studies of philosophical texts for preparing to seminars, discussions in seminars, student’s paper and its presentation.

Competence: a student is able to competently and responsibly examine interdisciplinary problems related to philosophy of science and provide suggestions for solving them – student’s paper and its presentation, discussions in seminars.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Relationship between science and philosophy. Science and technology as values (lecture 1h, seminar 1h).
2. Introduction into history of scientific conceptions, their philosophical aspects (lectures 3h, seminars 3h).
3. Epistemology of science (lectures 2h, seminar 1h).
4. Logic and methodology of science (lectures 2h, seminars 2h).
5. Philosophy of social sciences (lectures 2 h, seminar 1h).
6. Philosophical aspects of topical developments in science and technology (lectures 2h, seminars 2h)

7. Presentations of students’ papers (2h).

Requirements for awarding credit points

The course includes a report and a presentation of the report. Final assessment of the study course - exam, written exam in the form of a test.
Study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with the Order of the Vice-Rector of Studies No. 2.4.-5/59 On distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. The students learn the topics included in the study course independently, using the materials created and placed by the lecturer in the e-studies (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics in distance learning is organised in the form of self-assessment tests, discussion forums and independent work, as well as in face-to-face or online consultations, lectures and final examinations according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Individual tasks in the study course include 56 hours in full time studies: preparation of paper and its presentation (28 hours), preparation for final test (28 hours), in part time distance learning – respectively 34 and 34 hours.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Exam. Exam’s accumulating assessment of study results: final written test (50%), student’s paper’s presentation and answers to questions (50%).

Compulsory reading

1. Brāzma G., Leikuma I., Leikums L., Lūsis K., Moskvins G., (2011) G. Zinātnes filozofija. Jelgava: LLU. 174 lpp.
2. DeWitt R. (2018) Worldviews. An introduction to the history and philosophy of
science. Wiley Blackwell. 362 lpp.

3. Russell B. (2013) The Problems of Philosophy. Pieejams kā e-grāmata: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/5827/5827-h/5827-h.htm

Further reading

1. Siliņš E. I. (1999, 2017) Lielo patiesību meklējumi. Rīga: Jumava. 519 lpp.
2. Stumpf S. E., Fieser J. (2019) Philosophy: a historical survey with essential readings. McGrew-Hill. 426 lpp.

3. Online encyclopedia Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Pieejams: http://plato.stanford.edu/

Periodicals and other sources

1. Žurnāls Rīgas Laiks. ISSN 1407-1622.
2. Žurnāls Zvaigžņotā debess. ISSN 0135-129X.

3. Žurnāls Philosophy now: a magazine of ideas. ISSN 0961-5970. Pieejams: https://philosophynow.org/issues

Notes

Compulsory study course at academic master study programmes “Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration”, “Agricultural Engineering”, “Timber Materials and Technology”, “Environmental, Water and Land Engineering”. Free choice study course at academic master study programme “Information Technologies”.