Philosophy of Science (Advanced Studies)

Teacher(s)

Pence Charles;

Language

English

Prerequisites

Reading knowledge of English sufficient to allow for study of contemporary texts in the philosophy of natural sciences.

Main themes

Each year, three central themes are addressed concerning the dialogue between natural sciences and philosophical questions.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

At the end of the course, students will possess a mastery of a significant part of the problems and authors that typify contemporary philosophy of science, in dialogue with its central texts. This mastery will also include:  an understanding of several specific questions of current, special interest in the area  a capacity to clearly, synthetically, and accurately present, orally or in writing, a research question  a capacity to rigorously argue in favor of the theses defended, as well as to take a critical perspective towards them  a capacity to orient themselves in the literature in philosophy of science

Content

N.B. For the 2024–2025 academic year, Dr. Marco Casali will assist with this course.
This course aims to provide a general overview of some topics in the philosophy of science, with some insight into debates in the philosophy of biology. The three central themes for this year will be biological possibility, historical contingency in evolution, and the debate over historical and experimental/nomothetical sciences. This course will enable students to have an advanced knowledge of some topics in the philosophy of science, with the possibility of further high-level study or of preparing a master’s mémoire on specific topics.

Teaching methods

Weekly seminar combining a lecture from the professor and extensive discussion with and between the students.

Evaluation methods

A final paper (60%) and an oral presentation (40%).
In the August session, a written exam (100%).

Other information

The course requires a significant knowledge of English; we will be reading sources from the philosophy of science that are often unavailable in translation. Depending upon student language skills and the presence of international students, I may lead course lectures in French; students are also free to ask questions and discuss the course material with me in French, and all course assignments may be written in French.

Online resources

All readings and the course syllabus will be available on Moodle.

Bibliography

(voir ressources en ligne ci-dessus)
(see online resources above)

Faculty or entity

> EFIL