Philosophy of Science
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with the basics of epistemology and general philosophy of science as well as with the essential traits of the most significant debates that have shaped it. An interdisciplinary approach will be applied and examples from various scientific disciplines and their history will be examined during classes.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
1. masters the basic concepts and fundamental themes characterising philosophy of science
2. knows the fundamental elements of science methodology.
3. can discern the various kinds of scientific reasoning and understand the validity of arguments brought by her/his own and others.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
1. can critically analyze a text in epistemology and philosophy of science
2. can analyze debates within the philosophy of science
3. can outline the state of the art in relation to a problem in this discipline
4. can apply the methodological tools acquired to solve theoretical and practical problems.
At the end of the course, the student
1. masters the basic concepts and fundamental themes characterising philosophy of science
2. knows the fundamental elements of science methodology.
3. can discern the various kinds of scientific reasoning and understand the validity of arguments brought by her/his own and others.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, the student
1. can critically analyze a text in epistemology and philosophy of science
2. can analyze debates within the philosophy of science
3. can outline the state of the art in relation to a problem in this discipline
4. can apply the methodological tools acquired to solve theoretical and practical problems.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is structured in three parts. The first one provides students with the basics of epistemology and the general philosophy of science as well as with the essential traits of their most significant debates. To make students familiar with philosophical-scientific reasoning, in the second part of the course those elements are discussed in light of a classic in the philosophy of science: Ernst Mach's "Knowledge and Error". The third part deals with the concept of "epistemic regionalism", i.e. the idea that the diverse disciplines shape their own object of inquiry and may adopt different and possibly conflicting methods.
Prerequisites for admission
Specific preliminary notions are not required. However, it is assumed that students have a secondary school knowledge of the basics of mathematics and physics as well as biology.
Teaching methods
Mostly frontal lectures. When appropriate, a multimedia approach is employed (e.g. PowerPoint). If possible, compulsory as well as optional didactic materials (e.g. slides discussed during classes) are uploaded on the Ariel page of the course (https://lguzzardifs.ariel.ctu.unimi.it/).
Teaching Resources
No English literature is provided. For substitute select bibliography for non-Italian speakers, please contact the teacher.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Preliminary written + oral test: The exam consists of a preliminary written and an oral examination. The latter can be only taken by students who have passed the written test. This is structured in multiple choice questions on the first part and open questions on the second part; the oral test concerns the third part only (see the detailed course program and relevant bibliography.)
As for the exam, no distinction is made between attending and non-attending students.
The exam procedure is thoroughly explained during the first lecture and published on the teacher's Website: http://www.filosofia.unimi.it/guzzardi/index.php/2019/02/15/modalita-desame/.
As for the exam, no distinction is made between attending and non-attending students.
The exam procedure is thoroughly explained during the first lecture and published on the teacher's Website: http://www.filosofia.unimi.it/guzzardi/index.php/2019/02/15/modalita-desame/.
Unita' didattica A
M-FIL/02 - LOGIC AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
M-FIL/02 - LOGIC AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
M-FIL/02 - LOGIC AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)