Part I deals with the history of philosophy and of science, whereas Part II deals with philosophy of science and ethics.

The students are to: Obtain knowledge of central problems related to science and ethics, and develop an understanding of their historical background and their social significance. Be able to apply different tools to analyze cases of scientific research and problems within ethics. Build a general competence for argumentation and critical reflection. The aim is to increase critical awareness within the students' academic field, regarding such aspects as history and social context, ethics, as well as the fields' epistemological and methodological basis. The course is to improve the understanding of scientific justification and of the relation between the sciences and between science, society and nature, and to promote the students awareness of value questions linked to research and its application, in particular in connection with nature. The course emphasises the special responsibility of NMBU in this connection, on the basis of its environmental profile.

Lectures, group discussions, presentations at seminars, composition of semester assignments, feedback from teacher. Students work on their own and in groups with various projects, and there is continuous assessment.

Training through seminars (presentations, group discussion, written work).

The syllabus is defined by the topics, but a specific compendium, additional material and one textbook are recommended: Exphil II. Tekster i etikk (Unipub, Universitetet i Oslo).

Students are required to attend the seminars at least 65% of the time. The mandatory activities are only valid until the next time the course is offered. 

Portfolio assessment. The portfolio contains the following elements: One term paper (ca. 3500-4000 words) and two tests. The term paper is weighted 60%, and the tests are weighted 40%. The term paper has to be submitted in the same semester as the student attends the course. A-F. No re-examination is offered.

250 hours

Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse).

10 ECTS credits overlap with PHI100 and PHI102.

Seminar arrangement in Autumn parallel: 2 x 2 hours of lectures + 2 hours of seminars per week.

The course is equivalent to Examen Philosophicum at other universities in Norway. PHI100 and PHI101 have the same lectures in the autumn parallel. Examen Philosophicum - English option (PHI102) is given annually.

An external examiner will participate in the evaluation of the course.