Science, whatever else it is, is a human enterprise. While all scientists are committed to the pursuit of significant truths, they do so using a variety of methods, in different organisational contexts, and motivated by different concerns. These contextual factors influence how science is produced and how it should be evaluated. This module provides an introduction to the central issues in philosophy of science, with a focus on the “big picture” of how science is practiced by a variety of scientists and the role that this has in society.
Students taking this module will gain a comprehensive understanding of scientific practice in a way that enables them to participate in important debates surrounding the role science plays (or should play) in our society. The module is mostly taught by lectures (1 hour per week) and seminars (1 hour per week); however, there is also a workshop per seminar group in one week (2 hours). Assessment is via a 2,000 words essay (50%) and an open book examination (2000 words submitted electronically) (50%).