PHI101 Examen Philosophicum - Seminar

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Frode Kjosavik

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Norsk

Limits of class size:360

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:250 hours

Teaching and exam period:This course starts in Autumn parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in Autumn parallel.

About this course

The course has three parts: (1) History of science and philosophy; (2) Philosophy of science; (3) Ethics. Part 1 concerns central philosophical ideas and theories that are relevant to Part 2 and Part 3. Important issues are the developments that led to present-day natural science, the historical and philosophical roots of different world pictures - like the ecological and the mechanistic ones, as well as the emergence and evolution of bioscience. The significance of philosophical theories for human self-understanding and perspectives on social issues is central. Part 2 deals with topics from the philosophy of science, including what is characteristic of scientific knowledge and scientific methods; what sets different scientific disciplines apart from each other; and what is the basis for interdisciplinary cooperation in approaches to complex problems in science and in society - as in climate research and research on sustainability. Part 3 provides an introduction to basic forms of ethical argumentation, and the application of such reasoning to pressing moral issues, including collisions of cultures, equality, the status of animals, nature management and sustainability. The importance that is accorded to natural science and environmental ethics is anchored in the science and value profile of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE:

To gain knowledge of central aspects of science and ethics, their historical background and their social impact and significance. To improve the understanding of scientific justification, of the relations between the sciences and of the relations between science, society and nature.

SKILLS:

To be able to analyze central ideas and theories about humans, nature, science and society. To master general tools for analysis of concrete cases in science and ethics.

An important aim of the seminar version is to provide training for students in academic work, including writing, the use of literature, presentation, and learning through constructive criticism and discussion.

GENERAL COMPETENCE:

To build competence in argumentation and critical reflection, both in general and within the framework of one’s own discipline. To achieve increased awareness pertaining to value issues related to research and its application.

Learning activities
Lectures and seminars are given on campus. The lectures are also being streamed. The seminars come with group discussions, presentations, writing term papers, as well as feedback from the teacher. Students work on their own and in groups with various projects, and there is continuous assessment.
Teaching support
Training through seminars (presentations, group discussion). Training in academic writing.
Assessment method
Portfolio assessment. The portfolio contains the following elements: One term paper (ca. 3500-4000 words) and two tests. The term paper has to be submitted in the same semester as the student attends the course. Grading of the content of the portfolio as a whole (A-F). No re-examination is offered.

Portfolio Karakterregel: Letter grades
Examiner scheme
An external examiner will participate in the evaluation of the course.
Mandatory activity
Students are required to attend at least 70 % of the seminars in their seminar group. Attendance is mandatory for the first two sessions. Mandatory activities must be retaken if the course is retaken.
Notes
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.
Teaching hours
Seminar version in autumn parallel: 2 x 2 hours of lectures + 2 hours of seminars per week.
Preferential right
Study programmes that have this course as recommended will have priority.
Reduction of credits
10 ECTS credits overlap with PHI100 and PHI102.
Admission requirements
Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway ("generell studiekompetanse").