• A
  • A
  • A
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • ABC
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
  • А
Regular version of the site
For visually-impairedFor visually-impairedUser profile (HSE staff only)Search
Advanced search
Menu
HSE University
User profile (HSE staff only)Search
Advanced search

Course Syllabus

Postgraduate course 2021/2022

Philosophy and Methodology of Science

Type: Compulsory course
Area of studies: Economics
Delivered by: Department of Sociology
When: 1 year, 1 semester
Mode of studies: offline
Open to: students of one campus
Instructors: Maxim Demin
Language: English
ECTS credits: 3
Contact hours: 38

Course Syllabus

Full Syllabus

Abstract

This course introduces the core issues in the philosophy of science. We will walk through the basic issues such as the problem of conformation, theories about the development of science, nature of laws, and causal relations. We will try to find compelling answers to the following questions: Why science is so effective and powerful? What type of weakness has scientific reasoning? Are scientific theories real or are they constructions? What does it mean to explain a phenomenon scientifically? Why do models allow scientists to make accurate predictions? How organize science as a social institution in the most effective way? And, finally, why are values and research ethics so important for social science?
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

  • This course will enable participants to engage with the central debates in the philosophy of science.
  • Students will have a basic understanding of what science is, what strengths and weaknesses scientific reasoning has.
  • The course aims to help postgraduate students to navigate a complex world of modern social science.
Expected Learning Outcomes

Expected Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to understand the strengths and weaknesses of scientific reasoning.
Course Contents

Course Contents

  • Theory and Observation
  • Theories About the Development of Science
  • Sociological Approaches to Science and Science Wars
  • Scientific Realism and Antirealism
  • Explanation and Causation
  • Laws of Nature and Causation
  • Models and Experiments
  • Explanation in the Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Facts and Values in the Human Science
Assessment Elements

Assessment Elements

  • non-blocking Mid-term essay
  • non-blocking In-class participation
  • non-blocking Final exam (essay)
Interim Assessment

Interim Assessment

  • 2021/2022 1st semester
    0.4 * Final exam (essay) + 0.3 * In-class participation + 0.3 * Mid-term essay
Bibliography

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

  • Godfrey-Smith, P. (2003). Theory and Reality : An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=324622
  • Julian Reiss. (2013). Philosophy of Economics : A Contemporary Introduction. Routledge.
  • Rosenberg, A. (2012). Philosophy of Social Science: Vol. 4th ed. Westview Press.

Recommended Additional Bibliography

  • McIntyre, L. C., & Rosenberg, A. (2017). The Routledge Companion to Philosophy of Social Science (Vol. 1 [edition]). New York: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1435679
  • Montuschi, E., & Cartwright, N. (2014). Philosophy of Social Science : A New Introduction (Vol. First edition). Oxford: OUP Oxford. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=nlebk&AN=924938