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2018/19 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

HPSC5610M Advanced Topics in Metaphysics of Science

30 creditsClass Size: 25

Module manager: Dr Darren Bradley
Email: d.j.bradley@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

Pre-requisite qualifications

Same as for MA programme admissions (i.e. normally a good honours degree - 2.i or higher).

Module replaces

HPSC5500M Metaphysical Issues in Philosophy of Science

This 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 key metaphysical issues in the Philosophy of Science;
- 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 metaphysical issues in Philosophy of Science;
- to have knowledge of the central positions in the contemporary debates regarding those issues;
- to be able to engage in informed critical analysis of those positions; and
- to form a personal view on these philosophical positions.


Syllabus

The module will examine a selection of central metaphysical issues in Philosophy of Science, which may include some of the following: laws of nature, causation, chance, explanation, reduction and emergence.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Seminar112.0022.00
Private study hours278.00
Total Contact hours22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)300.00

Private study

- Reading for seminars (8 3/4 hours/week) = 96 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, which will be returned with written comments within four weeks;
- informally during the module leader's office hours.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay2 x 3000 words or 1 x 6000 words100.00
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 website

Last updated: 30/04/2018

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