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2018/19 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

HPSC5620M Philosophy of Science: Classic Debates & Current Trends

30 creditsClass Size: 25

Module manager: Prof Steven French
Email: S.R.D.French@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) 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

HPSC5120M Modern 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 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 website

Last updated: 05/04/2019

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