Course Catalogue

Philosophy of Science PHIL5116

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Humanities
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course will discuss philosophical questions connected to scientific theories and practice. What is the difference between science and pseudoscience? How do we learn and gain evidence for scientific theories? How do scientific theories explain, and what is explanation? We will examine the difference between science and pseudoscience, the epistemology of science, and the metaphysical implications of scientific theories and models.

Timetable

16x1hr lectures; 4x1hr seminars over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Standard entry to Masters at College Level

Excluded Courses

PHIL4042 

Co-requisites

None.

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ 2 x Essay (2500 words) - 100%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the essays, but flexible deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ Discuss central arguments and debates in the Philosophy of Science.

■ Explain and describe central positions within the philosophy of science.

■ Connect philosophical questions about science to central questions in epistemology, metaphysics, and philosophy of language.

■ Analyse and evaluate arguments within philosophical text.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Connect central methodological and epistemological problems connected with scientific knowledge to broader questions in epistemology.

■ Understand the main positions concerning the truth and objectivity of science, and critically evaluate the implications these views have for positions in metaphysics and philosophy of language.

■ Clearly describe the key positions concerning the connection between different sciences and critically evaluate arguments for and against these views.

■ Critically evaluate claims regarding the reality of theoretical entities, the truth of scientific theories, and the metaphysical and ontological implications of these theories.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions