The course gives you a broad and accessible introduction to philosophy of science and philosophy of technology. You will gain insight into the history of science and learn how different schools of thought have shaped the methods researchers use today. You will work with ideas such as rationalism, empiricism, positivism and falsificationism and learn how they differ in their views on how knowledge is built.
You will also become familiar with central concepts in philosophy of science and explore questions about observation, induction, scientific explanations and rationality. This helps you understand what scientific knowledge is and how it evolves.
Where science and technology meet
A key part of the course deals with the role of technology in research. You will examine why new technologies are developed, how technological research is connected to basic research and how technological progress is influenced both by internal rationality and by the needs and decisions of users.
You will also discuss what happens when technology develops a momentum of its own, when several actors influence its direction or when users play a decisive role in shaping it. These perspectives help you understand technological development as a social and philosophical phenomenon.
Skills you develop during the course
Throughout the course, you will learn to recognise and describe key problems and methods in the philosophy of science. You deepen your understanding of scientific and technological research and practise thinking critically and independently about philosophical issues that surround them.
You develop your ability to analyse arguments, discuss solutions and evaluate different philosophical positions. This strengthens your capacity to understand how scientific results are formed, interpreted and used.
Course content
The course covers the historical development of science, major methodological traditions and central philosophical perspectives on research. You will explore questions about observation, induction, scientific explanations and methods and delve into philosophical issues related to technology’s aims and methods.
You will also examine questions about technological rationality, the debate between technological autonomy and pluralism and the role of users. In addition, the course includes an introduction to research ethics. Together, these elements give you a comprehensive view of how scientific knowledge is constructed.
Teaching and learning activities
The course is entirely online and uses slide presentations, audio recordings, study questions and discussion forums on a digital learning platform. This format allows you to work independently while having access to structured support and opportunities for reflection and exchange with others.