PHI101 Examen Philosophicum - Seminar

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.

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; to produce critical awareness pertaining to value issues related to research and its application; to form skills and master general tools for analysis of concrete cases in science and ethics; to build competence in argumentation and critical reflection, both in general and within the framework of one’s own discipline. 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.