Medical sciences rely on many different methods, from laboratory experiments to interviews and large datasets. For that reason, researchers need a strong foundation in the philosophy of science to be able to judge what different methods can actually tell us. In this course, you will explore questions that relate both to general philosophy of science and to issues that are specific to medical research.
You will learn how different philosophical schools have influenced the development of medical knowledge and how views on methods have shifted over time. This gives you a broad understanding of how medical science evolves and how it is used in practice.
Theory, methods and ethics in medical research
The course introduces you to central concepts in the philosophy of science and allows you to work with questions concerning observation, induction, explanations and method choice. You will deepen your understanding of methodological traditions such as rationalism, empiricism, positivism and falsificationism and learn how these approaches have shaped medical research.
You will also engage with philosophical questions that are unique to the medical field, such as how to interpret epidemiological studies, the challenges of working with large datasets and how to understand social medicine from a theoretical perspective. In addition, the course examines the aims and methods of applied and clinical medical research and its connection to basic research.
Skills you develop during the course
Throughout the course, you will develop your ability to identify, describe and analyse problems in the philosophy of science. You will learn to discuss their relevance for medical research and to understand the various solutions and perspectives that have influenced different fields.
You will practise thinking independently and critically, weighing arguments and evaluating methodological choices. This strengthens your ability to understand medical research and assess how it is used in both clinical and societal contexts.
Course content
The course covers the historical development of science and central research ethical issues. You will work with major philosophical traditions, methodological questions and fundamental issues about how medical knowledge is built and understood.
Together, these elements give you a broad and solid foundation for analysing medical research from theoretical, practical and ethical perspectives.
Teaching and learning activities
The course is delivered entirely online, with teaching taking place through a digital learning platform. Presentations, study questions and web based materials guide you through the course, while independent study helps you deepen your own reflections and understanding.