Sociology of Sciences and Technologies
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to deepen issues in the area of humanities and social sciences, with particular attention to the relationship between philosophy and sociology of science and technology. With the task of carrying out a critical analysis of contemporary scientific knowledge, their methods of investigation and production of knowledge.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
- knowledge of issues related to: the production and legitimacy of scientific knowledge; the philosophical, ideological and social assumptions underlying their methods; the ability to conduct empirical research in the field of science and technology studies and to evaluate the results achieved critically.
- development of a critical awareness of scientific methods in different disciplines, with special attention to the possibility of integrating methods, concepts and knowledge from other disciplines (philosophy, logics, history, aesthetics, anthropology).
Capacity to apply knowledge and understanding
- the ability to apply the knowledge and critical skills acquired also outside the thematic areas addressed in the course as well as beyond the disciplinary boundaries of philosophy, such as in the fields of research and development (R&D) in manufacturing, in teaching science subjects, in scientific communication by foundations and institutes, in the organization of museum exhibitions.
- the ability to deal critically with divergent theoretical and cultural perspectives.
- knowledge of issues related to: the production and legitimacy of scientific knowledge; the philosophical, ideological and social assumptions underlying their methods; the ability to conduct empirical research in the field of science and technology studies and to evaluate the results achieved critically.
- development of a critical awareness of scientific methods in different disciplines, with special attention to the possibility of integrating methods, concepts and knowledge from other disciplines (philosophy, logics, history, aesthetics, anthropology).
Capacity to apply knowledge and understanding
- the ability to apply the knowledge and critical skills acquired also outside the thematic areas addressed in the course as well as beyond the disciplinary boundaries of philosophy, such as in the fields of research and development (R&D) in manufacturing, in teaching science subjects, in scientific communication by foundations and institutes, in the organization of museum exhibitions.
- the ability to deal critically with divergent theoretical and cultural perspectives.
Lesson period: First 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
First semester
Link: http://ggobosst.ariel.ctu.unimi.it
and read the pdf "Introduzione al corso" load in the bacheca.
The lessons will be held exclusively online, on the Microsoft Teams platform. There will be no lessons in attendance.
Participants will follow them synchronously, based on the timetable of the first semester.
Attendee status is acquired by attending at least 90% of the lessons. Therefore, it is tolerated the non-participation in a maximum of 2 lessons (out of 20).
Attendee is the one who connects at the beginning of the lesson and disconnects at the end of it.
Attendance will be registered: the participant must digit "here I am" in the course chat.
Unlike, NON-attendee students (if they want to, but it is not mandatory) could listen to the audio-recorded lessons, available on the same platform.
and read the pdf "Introduzione al corso" load in the bacheca.
The lessons will be held exclusively online, on the Microsoft Teams platform. There will be no lessons in attendance.
Participants will follow them synchronously, based on the timetable of the first semester.
Attendee status is acquired by attending at least 90% of the lessons. Therefore, it is tolerated the non-participation in a maximum of 2 lessons (out of 20).
Attendee is the one who connects at the beginning of the lesson and disconnects at the end of it.
Attendance will be registered: the participant must digit "here I am" in the course chat.
Unlike, NON-attendee students (if they want to, but it is not mandatory) could listen to the audio-recorded lessons, available on the same platform.
Course syllabus
In the first part of the course will be examined: the different concepts of science, the relationship between scientific knowledge and knowledge of common sense, between science and values, the problem of the observer, the concepts of truth and method, the logic of scientific discoveries.
Taking for granted the main paradigms of the last century such as neopositivism, hermeneutics and realism,
we will start from the reflections of lesser known authors (such as Hanson) to examine the contemporary theories of important sociologists of science (Bloor, Collins and Latour etc.).
The second part of the course is devoted to scientific controversies, also with interventions of external speakers, to understand that in science there is not a single thought, but they are mainly the product of divergences, differences and conflicts.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Taking for granted the main paradigms of the last century such as neopositivism, hermeneutics and realism,
we will start from the reflections of lesser known authors (such as Hanson) to examine the contemporary theories of important sociologists of science (Bloor, Collins and Latour etc.).
The second part of the course is devoted to scientific controversies, also with interventions of external speakers, to understand that in science there is not a single thought, but they are mainly the product of divergences, differences and conflicts.
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
Prerequisites for admission
Preliminary knowledge required:
Neopositivism
Popper
Kuhn
Feyerabend
For those who know just a little about these authors, a preliminary study is required (see materials available on the site: lesson 1).
Neopositivism
Popper
Kuhn
Feyerabend
For those who know just a little about these authors, a preliminary study is required (see materials available on the site: lesson 1).
Teaching methods
Teaching methods:
· Online rontal lessons
· Classroom discussions
· Online rontal lessons
· Classroom discussions
Teaching Resources
- Sergio Sismondo (2010) An Introduction to Science and Technology Studies (Second Edition), Wiley-Blackwell.
- Collins, Harry M. - Pinch, Trevor (1993), The golem: what everyone should know about science, Cambridge : Cambridge - University Press.
- Collins, Harry M. - Pinch, Trevor (2005), Dr. Golem. How to Think about Medicine, Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
- Collins, Harry M. - Pinch, Trevor (1993), The golem: what everyone should know about science, Cambridge : Cambridge - University Press.
- Collins, Harry M. - Pinch, Trevor (2005), Dr. Golem. How to Think about Medicine, Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will take place online and in oral form, using the Microsoft Teams platform.
It will be aimed at ascertaining:
the achievement of the course objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding
the capacity to apply knowledge and understanding
the autonomy of judgment of the student
the mastery of the specific language related to sociolinguistics and sociology of language, and the ability to present arguments in a clear and orderly manner.
It will be aimed at ascertaining:
the achievement of the course objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding
the capacity to apply knowledge and understanding
the autonomy of judgment of the student
the mastery of the specific language related to sociolinguistics and sociology of language, and the ability to present arguments in a clear and orderly manner.
Modules or teaching units
Unita' didattica A
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
SPS/07 - GENERAL SOCIOLOGY - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
every Thursday from 9:30 to 12:30 (contact the lecturer)
office, second floor, cortile Ghiacciaia