Vitenskapsteori og forskningsetikk
Lecture dates:
25 - 27 February
23 - 25 March
The course in philosophy of science and research ethics is about a systematic examination of scientific activity and the scientific quest for knowledge. The course focuses on the fundamental epistemological, ontological and ethical dimensions of science in a way that enables participants to take a position on the connection between knowledge interests, ontology, epistemology, methodological approaches and value judgments. The relationship between scientific approaches drawn from the natural sciences, social sciences and the humanities respectively is critically discussed in light of central philosophical theories of science. Students also gain in-depth knowledge of relevant research ethics legislation and guidelines, which are discussed and analysed. The teaching invites conversation about the relationship between research, researcher, subject and society.
Content
This course will address the following areas:
- The basic concepts of science are discussed, such as knowledge and truth, inferential logic, hermeneutics, explanation and understanding, causality and intentionality, objectivity and subjectivity, falsification, paradigm and pluralism.
- Different forms of knowledge, the relationship between practical and theoretical knowledge,
- Forms of science and types of justification are discussed considering the different backgrounds and contexts of scientific practice,
The status and conditions of research (sociology of science).
After completing the course, the student must have advanced knowledge about:
Knowledge
After completing the course, students should have gained advanced knowledge about:
- central theoretical positions and basic concepts in philosophy of science.
- the different understandings of knowledge, ontology and epistemology, and how they relate to different research traditions and methods
- central principles and guidelines of research ethics, relevant for a PhD study
Skills
After completing the course, students should have advanced their ability to:
- assess and discuss key scientific theoretical issues in connection with one's own PhD project.
- apply scientific theoretical concepts analytically to challenge established knowledge and practice within one's own PhD project.
- identify and critically assess research ethical obligations and issues related to the entire research process in one's own PhD project.
General competence
After completing the course, students should have advanced their ability to:
- present key theoretical arguments about basic scientific problems in a debate with peers
- assess the need for reflection in one's own professional field and identify and communicate how scientific theory can contribute to development within the field
- participate in the social debate on issues where philosophy of science and ethics are relevant.
Analytical and critical thinking is promoted through lectures, seminars and selected course literature. Critical reflection is encouraged through student presentations and discussions.
To ensure the quality of seminars and that students achieve the learning outcomes of the course, including with respect to preparation for their final paper, students must attend the lectures and the seminars in the course.
Compulsory participation. Students must attend minimum 80% of lectures.
Written assignment - passed/not passed
Med overlapp menes en faglig likhet mellom emner med samme faginnhold. Du vil derfor få følgende reduksjon i studiepoeng om du har tatt emner som er angitt under:
PRO9015 - Vitenskapsteori og forskningsetikk - 7.5 Studiepoeng
VT409E - Vitenskapsteori og forskningsetikk - 7.5 Studiepoeng