POG0075, Ethics and Philosophy of Science, 4.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Level

Third cycle

Subject

Other Social Science

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

AIM The course aims at introducing central topics in research ethics and philosophy of science, and to allow students to gain insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society, and humans’ responsibility for how science is used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES After the course students should demonstrate the ability to: • List and describe central concepts in theory and philosophy of science • tentatively apply these ideas to one’s own field of research • explain and discuss differences and similarities between different fields of inquiry (e.g. social sciences vs. natural sciences) • explain some possibilities and pitfalls at the intersection of science/scholarship and societal decision making • describe and discuss the contents of some codes of professional conduct and their ethical underpinnings • identify cases of scientific misconduct and suggest strategies for dealing with suspected cases of misconduct

Content

• Truth and knowledge, data and information • Core concepts and ideas in philosophy of science: Hypothesis testing, explanation and understanding, causation and correlation, positivism and beyond: falsificationism, hypothetico-deductive method; social constructionism, postmodernism, empiricism vs rationalism and holistic vs atomistic perspectives, reflexivity. • Science and society: The consequences of research, the function of scientific results in policy, and the role of disciplinary perspective in societal discourse and policy making • Professionalism, professional ethics and its theoretical underpinnings, professional relations • Scientific misconduct – fabrication/falsification, plagiarism, publication ethics • Professionalism, professional ethics and its theoretical underpinnings • Scientific misconduct – fabrication/falsification, plagiarism, publication ethics e t c • Research involving humans subjects – potential harm, informed consent, confidentiality etc. • Research involving animals – ethical and legal aspects, relation to research ethics • Relevant SLU policies and other guidelines

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Active participation in exercises, including preparations. Short written assignments during the course.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Division of Planning

Supplementary information

Other Information

Apply to the course at: https://internt.slu.se/stod-service/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/kurser/baskurser---anmalan/