This course provides an introduction to Western history and philosophy of science. Starting from the basic question of ‘what is science?’, the course moves on to concepts of ontology, epistemology and methodology. The meaning of argumentation is explored, specifically induction and deduction. Theories of explanation in a scientific context are described. The course then covers the history of Western philosophy focussing on specific key thinkers from ancient Greece through to the enlightenment. The history and philosophy of science is brought up to date with coverage of the Vienna Circle, the role of constructivism, theories of paradigm shifting and finally critical realism. Critical realism is presented as providing a pathway between naïve objectivism and constructivism.

You will be provided with a foundation for understanding how knowledge is created and validated in the natural and social sciences. Understanding different approaches and justifications for epistemologies and methodologies will allow you to critically evaluate the grounds upon which different experts make their knowledge claims in public policy fora. At the end of the course, you should understand the history and origin of ideas in Western philosophy of science, role of validating information, the basis for using different methods and the creation of knowledge in a critical social science.

• Provide understanding of the rise of modernity from an historical and philosophical perspective.
• Identify key thinkers in Western philosophy and how they have conceptualised reality and aimed to create valid knowledge.
• Connect philosophical concepts to debates on the role of science and knowledge in public policy.
• Develop understanding of the foundations for (natural and social) scientific knowledge and its role in modern society.
• Explore the basis for knowledge claims about society, ecology and economics.
• Develop critical analytical skills and thinking.
• Provide foundational understanding of the challenges in conducting social scientific research

Attendance requirement (basic pass/fail):

• Miss more than 2 classes means you fail the class.
• This allowance is for serious unforeseen circumstances and should not be used simply for taking time-off, job interviews, working or planned into holidays or similar.
• Do not switch sessions/classes to which you are allocated. Allocations are made to maintain group spread, mix and size and meet room fire safety restrictions.
• Any absence from class should be notified to the course tutor in writing (via email) well in advance of class.

Lectures

The lectures address Western philosophy of science, and the historical rise of modernity as reflected in scientific understanding. 

Historical background to periods and biographical details for key philosopher will be provided; this places ideas in a social/political/cultural context (this will not be directly assessed in the exam). These aspects will be posted as videos or slides the week before and are for self-study, they will not be presented in class, but can be discussed.

Traditional lecture format with presentation and overheads. Clarifying questions are welcome and encouraged, but should not be frivolous. These may be restricted if affecting the ability to deliver the material for a given class.

Reading Assignment Seminar Groups Sessions (approx. 40min)

The text and related issues will be discussed, and students expected to engage and participate. Sessions do not necessarily address all the questions set.

Sessions allow clarification, confirmation of reading contents and meaning, relationship to lecture material and debate over topics. All students are expected to participate. If you consistently fail to engage this will count against your participation grade. No use of electronic devices is permitted in class. Bring notes on issues you wish to raise and maintain attention to the discussion.

1. 50% Final Exam: – Individual assessment
2. 20% Reading Assignments (2 fully graded á 10%): – Individual assessment
3. 20% 'Policy Document' - Group Project with Presentation & Report: Group assessment - All students must present
4. 10% Class Participation: – Individual assessment
5. Extra Points
   4% Points maximum via informed Forum posts (1-2% max per post)

none

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Upon appointments
contact: christian.kerschner@wu.ac.at

Required Reading:

There is no textbook for this class. Lectures provide content, specific reading tasks are assigned for seminars and supplementary (optional) reading provided. 

General Reading

Two general books for the philosophy of science are suggested as useful background reading: 

• •            Chalmers, A.F. (1999). What is this thing called Science? Buckingham: Open University Press.
• •            Okasha, S. (2016). Philosophy of Science: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: University Press.

A book that poses the need for realism in social science within the context of postmodern challenges to older approaches is

• •            Sayer, A. (2000). Realism and Social Science. London: Sage

Additional recommended Reading:

• •            Spash, C. L. (2024). Foundations of Social Ecological Economics: The Fight for Revolutionary Change in Economic Thought. United Kingdom: Manchester University Press.
• •            Ravetz, J. (2006). The No-Nonsense Guide to Science. United Kingdom: New Internationalist. 

Reading Assignments Literature:

Amongst the more specific selected readings discussed in class the following provide insight across a range of issues covered. They require reading more than once!

• Danermark, B., Ekstrom, M., Jakobsen, L., Karlsson, J.C. (2002) Generalization, scientific inference and models for an explanatory social science. In: Explaining Society: An Introduction to Critical Realism in the Social Sciences. London, Routledge: pp. 73-114. 
• Sayer, A. (2010) Theory, observation and practical adequacy. In: Method in Social Science: A Realist Approach. London, Routledge: pp. 31-57. 
• Georgescu-Roegen, N. (1979). Methods in economic science. Journal of Economic Issues, XIII (2): pp. 317-328.
• Pollini, J., 2013. Bruno Latour and the Ontological Dissolution of Nature in the Social Sciences: A Critical Review. Environmental Values 22, pp. 25-42.

An excellent critical guide to theories of causation, a central topic in philosophy of science, is:

• •            Mumford, S. and R. L. Anjum. 2013. Causation: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: University Press

REQUIRED READING MATERIAL WILL BE UPLOADED ON CANVAS