In this course we will examine philosophical perspectives on modern scientific inquiry. Students will become familiar with those perspectives not only through introduction to key thinkers in philosophy of science but also through an analysis of their own scientific research.
In the first part of the course, we will discuss central questions and principles in philosophy of science. We will specifically debate on the nature of the scientific methodologies, theories of confirmation, and the demarcation of science from non-science. Students will be introduced with key thinkers in philosophy of science, such as Bacon, Popper, Kuhn and Lakatos.
In the second part of the course, students will examine their own research study using the above philosophical perspectives. They will analyze their practice, while addressing questions such as its scientific justification, the limits of the methodology they use, and the gap between the empirical data and their theory.
The aim of the course is to develop abilities to analyze scientific research through philosophical thinking which can be implemented in research activities.