Learning Outcomes of UE

At the end of this course, the students will be able to produce an informed and rigorous philosophical reflection on what the stakes are for the sciences in society. This implies that they will be able to: - master the major theories, concepts, issues and limits of the main contemporary currents of epistemology and the philosophy of science;
- appropriate epistemology as a method to help them to reflect critically on the world, science, scientific expertise and the relationships between science and other approaches towards the world;
- approach, in a philosophical manner, some controversies in the history of science;
- develop a critical reflection on the issues of epistemology and the philosophy of science;
- search for, and identify, bibliographic resources and references in philosophy and human sciences related to the issues addressed.

Content of UE

<b>Part 1: Epistemology and Philosophy of Science</b>
The first part of the course will be given through lectures. First, the teaching will focus on modern science, in particular on the main currents of the philosophy of science and epistemology (eg, inductivism, falsificationism, Popper, Lakatos, Kuhn and Feyerabend), and will cover both the subject matter and the identification of its limitations and difficulties. In a second stage, the teaching will focus on some major scientific controversies.
<b>Part 2: Creationism in question</b>
The second part of the course will take the form of group reflection. After a presentation of creationism, its various forms, and how it is seen by those in power, the participants will have to propose appropriate strategies to stimulate reflection on the questions rised by creationism, with students defending the consideration of the theory as being on the same level as evolutionism.
<b>Part Three: Presentation</b>
The third part of the course will be based on presentations given by the participants. At the beginning of the course, the participants will be divided into several groups. Each group will choose a topic from a list of controversies or problems that have created tensions between science and society. They will have to learn about the issue, divide the work and present it to others during the last sessions.

Prior Experience

Not applicable

Type of Assessment for UE in Q1

• Presentation and/or works
• Oral examination

Q1 UE Assessment Comments

The group presentation on a scientific controversy will be worth 40% of the final mark. An oral exam of 60% will complete the assessment and certify the student's level of achievement. The participants must show that they know the main currents of the philosophy of science, and the notions of epistemology discussed. They must also demonstrate that they are able to grasp the scope of the subject matter and apply it to contemporary issues.

Type of Assessment for UE in Q3

• Oral examination

Q3 UE Assessment Comments

An oral exam of 100% will allow students who failed to resit the exam. The participants must show that they know the main currents of the philosophy of science, and the notions of epistemology discussed. They must also demonstrate that they are able to grasp the scope of the subject matter and apply it to contemporary issues.

Type of Resit Assessment for UE in Q1 (BAB1)

• N/A

Q1 UE Resit Assessment Comments (BAB1)

Not applicable