The close relation between research ethics and philosophy of science is central. The issues to be discussed in the course include: foundations of ethics and research ethics; the relation between facts and values; the norm and value systems of science; the significance of autonomous research in the light of political and economic interests; fraud and misconduct; ethical guidelines; risks and benefits of science; the perception of risks; co-authorship; views on scientific methods; nature’s laws and capacities, idealization and models; models and metaphors; perspectives on historical developments in science and scientific progress; the social construction of knowledge; scientific realism versus relativism; reduction and unification in science; the relation between natural and social sciences; interdisciplinary research.

The course aims at improving the ability to identify and diagnose philosophical problems and ethical aspects in scientific work and to raise the awareness of the scientist’s moral responsibility. The course sets out to increase the understanding of science as practiced in diverse ways within the natural, social, and cultural fields. We will look into what is characteristic of scientific practices, scientific rationality, and the scientific methods in various disciplines; which are the objectives of science; how does society influence science; how does science influence society? Students are to be stimulated to reflect in an informed and independent manner on these and other issues, and to develop skills in identifying issues across the disciplines. Students are to acquire general competence in critical reflection on science as well as an ethical competence in handling certain aspects of scientific work.

The teaching is on campus. Lectures and seminars, in addition to application of theory in working on the term paper.

Teachers will be available by appointment.

Chalmers + compendium. May be subject to changes.

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Examen Philosophicum or equivalent.

Students must attend at least 70 % of the lectures and seminars. Approved mandatory activites are valid until the end of the next course period. It is possible to hand in a new term paper the subsequent year without attending lectures and seminars for that year.

Assignment: Term paper (100%). Pass/fail. No re-examination. In writing the term paper, students are required to make use of - and include references to - relevant course literature. They are encouraged to make use of additional literature as well, if they find it useful.

125 hours

Master

The course PHI 401 overlaps with the first part of the course PHI 402. (PHI402 is no longer offered.)

Around 28 hours of lectures + seminars and group discussions.

Quality assessment of the syllabus and the essay questions is ensured by the use of an external examiner.