Teacher(s)
Language
French
Prerequisites
Basic instruction in the philosophy of natural science and in ethical reflection ; Reading knowledge of English sufficient to allow for study of contemporary texts in philosophy of Nature and philosophy of natural science.
Main themes
The course will consist of a philosophical analysis of techno-scientific practices along parallel tracks.
- It will examine the societal dimensions of techno-scientific practice, and introduce the fundamental concepts of the sociology of science as well as movements related to " Sciences, technologies, societies " .
- It will also portray the ethical dimension of scientific practices, within the multiple dimensions of the techno-scientific sphere. The course will have two parts:
- In the first, theoretical part it will provide an introduction to basic concepts in the sociology of science and the fundamental concepts of the ethical approach to science and technology.
- The second part will analyze case studies chosen each year.
- It will examine the societal dimensions of techno-scientific practice, and introduce the fundamental concepts of the sociology of science as well as movements related to " Sciences, technologies, societies " .
- It will also portray the ethical dimension of scientific practices, within the multiple dimensions of the techno-scientific sphere. The course will have two parts:
- In the first, theoretical part it will provide an introduction to basic concepts in the sociology of science and the fundamental concepts of the ethical approach to science and technology.
- The second part will analyze case studies chosen each year.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 |
Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to : - analyze contemporary techno-scientific practices - distinguish the social and ethical significance of these practices |
Content
The objective of this course is to develop the fundamental concepts needed for a critical approach to the ethical relationship between science and society. The course is an interdisciplinary activity, both for the professors and the students. It consists of 2 ECTS for the scientists and 5 ECTS for the philosophers.
The course thus consists of two distinct parts.
1) Part for all students:
Six lecture sessions followed by in-class discussion on general themes (for example: ethical argument, biodiversity and the economy, genetically modified organisms, energy policy, in-vitro fertilization, etc.).
2) Part specifically for students in philosophy:
Students in philosophy will also write a longer work of around a dozen pages on the philosophical and ethical dimensions of the group project undertaken with students in the sciences (see below).
The course thus consists of two distinct parts.
1) Part for all students:
Six lecture sessions followed by in-class discussion on general themes (for example: ethical argument, biodiversity and the economy, genetically modified organisms, energy policy, in-vitro fertilization, etc.).
2) Part specifically for students in philosophy:
Students in philosophy will also write a longer work of around a dozen pages on the philosophical and ethical dimensions of the group project undertaken with students in the sciences (see below).
Teaching methods
- Topical presentations by the professors in pairs (scientist and philosopher), followed by a debate with the class
- Watching a film
- Presentation of group work by the students
Evaluation methods
1. Joint Seminar with Students from the Faculty of Science (2 ECTS)
The assignments are prepared in interdisciplinary groups (2 to 3 students) on a topic chosen in consultation with the course co-instructors. The work includes a written report and an oral presentation with discussion, scheduled during the mini-symposium that concludes the course.
In the second session, the evaluation will take the form of an individual assignment on a topic chosen in consultation with the course co-instructors.
2. Seminar Among Philosophers (3 ECTS)
Philosophy students are also invited to produce a philosophical paper that further explores the theme addressed with the science students. The evaluation is based on both assignments, weighted according to the number of credits assigned to each (40% group work, 60% individual work).
In the second session, the evaluation will take the form of a presentation and an individual paper on a topic chosen in consultation with the course co-instructors.
The assignments are prepared in interdisciplinary groups (2 to 3 students) on a topic chosen in consultation with the course co-instructors. The work includes a written report and an oral presentation with discussion, scheduled during the mini-symposium that concludes the course.
In the second session, the evaluation will take the form of an individual assignment on a topic chosen in consultation with the course co-instructors.
2. Seminar Among Philosophers (3 ECTS)
Philosophy students are also invited to produce a philosophical paper that further explores the theme addressed with the science students. The evaluation is based on both assignments, weighted according to the number of credits assigned to each (40% group work, 60% individual work).
In the second session, the evaluation will take the form of a presentation and an individual paper on a topic chosen in consultation with the course co-instructors.
Online resources
PowerPoint presentations and other relevant reading accessible via Moodle.
Faculty or entity
