2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
HPSC5620M Philosophy of Science: Classic Debates & Current Trends
30 creditsClass Size: 25
Module manager: Steven French
Email: S.R.D.French@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2016/17
Pre-requisite qualifications
Same as for MA programme admissions (i.e. normally a good honours degree - 2.i or higher).Module replaces
HPSC5120M Modern ScienceThis module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
If the module recruits three or fewer students, it will be delivered via 3 hours of supervision with the module leader (instead of the format specified below).Objectives
The module is designed:- to cover in appropriate depth a range of classic debates in Philosophy of Science;
- to outline the development of the discipline of Philosophy of Science through these classic debates to its contemporary form;
- to develop skills of analysis and expression in Philosophy of Science.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able:
- to demonstrate appropriately detailed knowledge of a number of central debates in Philosophy of Science;
- to show familiarity with the current trends in Philosophy of Science;
- to be able to engage in informed critical analysis of key philosophical positions regarding the central debates covered; and
- to form a personal view on these philosophical positions.
Syllabus
The module will examine a selection of classic debates and current issues in Philosophy of Science, which may include some of the following: the nature of scientific evidence and explanation, scientific theory change, rationality and progress, scientific realism, the relation of philosophy and history of science.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Seminar | 11 | 2.00 | 22.00 |
Private study hours | 278.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 22.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 |
Private study
- Reading for seminars (8 hours/week) = 88 hours- Preparing seminar presentations (2 x 4 hours) = 8 hours
- Reading over seminar notes (2 hours/week) = 22 hours
- Further Reading and Essay Preparation (2 x 80 hours) = 160 hours
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students will receive feedback:- informally during the course of seminars, when the leader will respond to observations and questions;
- on assessed essays (one mid-term, one at the end of term), which will be returned with written comments within three weeks;
- informally during the module leader's office hours.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Essay | 3000 words | 50.00 |
Essay | 3000 words | 50.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 06/09/2016
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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