00388 - Philosophy of Science (A-L)

Learning outcomes

Philosophy of science is a discipline located at the crossroads of mathematics, logic, and natural sciences. Primarily concerned with the foundations of scientific knowledge, it explores the mathematical form of scientific theories, the adequacy of scientific models and methods, the character of natural laws, the structure of explanations. Students will be guided to acquire the basic instruments and language for addressing these issues.

Course contents

The course offers an in-depth introduction to key concepts and fundamental questions in the philosophical discourse on science. It begins with an analysis of the foundations of modern science, covering topics such as the nature of scientific theories, the scientific method, and the distinction between science and pseudoscience. Lessons will explore the structure of scientific explanations, scientific reductionism, the role of probability and causality, issues related to confirmation and evidence, natural kinds, and a broader reflection on the laws of nature. A particular focus will be placed on the evolution of scientific theories, examining how theories develop and are accepted or rejected over time. We will discuss scientific progress and the role of scientific revolutions, with particular attention to the dynamic and cumulative nature of scientific knowledge. The debates between scientific realism and anti-realism will be addressed, analyzing the influence of these positions on the perception of scientific truth. Additionally, we will explore the ethical implications of scientific research and its impact on society. Part of the course will focus on the topic of trust in science. We will examine the criteria that make scientific knowledge reliable, the role of experts, scientific institutions, and values such as transparency and scientific communication. The course aims to provide tools for critically understanding science and reflecting on the public’s relationship with it, highlighting the importance of an informed and critical society in scientific practice. More specific topics will be addressed in the final lessons.

Readings/Bibliography

Mandatory textbooks:

- P. Godfrey-Smith, Theory and Reality. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science, Chicago University Press, Chicago, 2021.

- J. Ladyman, Understanding Philosophy of Science, Routledge London, 2002.

- N. Oreskes, Why trust science?, Princeton University Press, Cambridge, Mass., 2019.

 

Further suggested books:

- M.C. Galavotti, R. Campaner, Filosofia della scienza, Egea, Milano, 2017.

- A. Borghini, E. Casetta, Filosofia della biologia, Carocci, Roma, 2013.

- M. Morganti, Filosofia della fisica. Un'introduzione, Carocci, Roma, 2016.

- M.C. Amoretti, D. Serpico, Filosofia della scienza: parole chiave. Carocci, Roma, 2022.

 

Non-attending students must read one additional book among the suggested ones.

Further readings will be suggested during the course.

Teaching methods

Lectures with the aid of slides.

Discussions and debates on the main topics, also starting from student requests.

Analysis and commentary of texts.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of two parts.

First part: written test, with multiple choice test of 15 questions. Correct answer: +2; incorrect answer: -1; no response: 0.

Second part: oral test, reserved for those who pass the written test.

The written test is considered passed with a score of at least 18/30.

The oral test can lead to an evaluation within the range -6/+6 points applicable to the written grade.

To obtain honors you must have passed the written test with a score of at least 28/30.

Please note: Passing the written test allows you to take the oral test in any subsequent session. However, if the oral test is not passed, the written test must be repeated.

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As regards the oral exam, they will be evaluated in ascending order of importance:

1) the completeness of the knowledge acquired strictly regarding the program;
2) the appropriateness of the language;
3) the personal ability to re-elaborate and use the concepts learned;
4) the ability to set up an interdisciplinary reflection;
5) the ability to apply the topics learned to individual research cases and to produce autonomous and original reflections.

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1) and 2) constitute minimum objectives for sufficiency.
Through 3) we will arrive at a discrete evaluation, all the more so the less mnemonic the knowledge learned by the student will be.
4) could lead to a good or excellent rating.
5) may lead to an excellent evaluation.

 

Written exam sessions are scheduled in the following months of the academic year:

- January, February, May, June, July, September (for all students)


Oral exam sessions are scheduled in the following months of the academic year:

- January, February, March, April, May, June, July, September, October, November, December (for all students)

 

Students with disabilities and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders are entitled to special adjustments according to their condition, subject to assessment by the University Service for Students with Disabilities and SLD. Please do not contact teachers or Department staff, but make an appointment with the Service. The Service will then determine what adjustments are specifically appropriate, and get in touch with the teacher. For more information, please visit the page:
https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students

Teaching tools

Slides and other digital materials will be used during lessons and uploaded to the university teaching platforms.

Office hours

See the website of Francesco Bianchini