The purpose of the course is to introduce concepts and problems from theory of science, in order to facilitate for research students when they reflect over their own knowledge claims in relation to their PhD projects. A secondary aim of the course is to call the research students¿ attention to the variety of different scientific practices and knowledge claims within the sciences, to facilitate dialogue and cooperation across disciplinary boundaries, with policy and general public.
After completion of the course the student should be able to:
1. Adopt a sociological and historical perspective on the dominant picture in society of how science works.
2. Briefly give an account of the theory of science of Karl Popper and Tomas Kuhn, as well as being able to explicate the differences between those.
3. Illustrate the varieties of scientific practices, specifying those by giving examples of empirical material, work practices, technologies, theory use and results.
4. Explain the idea behind the concept epistemological barrier that presuppositions within science can hinder further progress
5. Adopt a constructivist perspective on research practices
6. Analyse a scientific controversy with a symmetrical approach
7. Briefly relate one's own research to the larger, science policy and disciplinary history.
The course will be taught using a combination of pedagogical methods: Lectures, seminars, hand-in assignments, and group presentations.
LITTERATUR/LITERATURE
Dear, Peter (2006) Intelligibility of nature. Intro.
Turnpenny, J et al. (2011) Where Now for Post-Normal Science STHV
Alan Chalmers (2013) What is This Thing Called Science? kapitel 1-4.
Steve Fuller (2004) Kuhn vs. Popper. Kapitel 1-3.
Majeda Omar (2012) The Popper - Kuhn Debate Reexamined. Damascus University Journal, Vol.28 No.1,
Ian Hacking (1992) Self-vindication of the laboratory sciences, in: (ed.) Pickering, A. Science as Practice and Culture. 29-64.
Ian Hacking (1983) Representing and Intervening. Reals and representations p.130-148.
Knorr-Cetina, (1999) Epistemic Cultures. p.1-110
Latour, B, (1987) Science in Action. 1-17.
Collins, H. (1985) Changing Order "The core set" p. 142-152.
Collins, Harry (2012) Golem The Sun in the Terst Tube. p. 57-79.
Audra Wolfe (2018) Freedoms Laboratory.
Mirowski, Philip (2012) Machine dreams.
Oreskes, Naomi & Krige, John (2014) Science and Technology in the Global Cold War
Johan Söderberg, johan.soderberg@sts.gu.se, tel.: 031-786 3652
Institutionen för filosofi, lingvistik och vetenskapsteori
Göteborgs Universitet