Universität Wien

180021 VO Introduction to Philosophy of Science (2025S)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

Language: German

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

As a rule, lectures are on site. Lecture on 27.3. and perhaps individual other lectures digital.

The lecture course will be accompanied by a weekly tutorial. The first tutorial will be held:
MO 17.03.2025 15.00-16.30 Hörsaal 2G, NIG Universitätsstraße 7/Stg. II/2.Stock, 1010 Wien

  • Thursday 13.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 20.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 27.03. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 03.04. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 10.04. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 15.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 22.05. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 05.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 12.06. 11:30 - 13:00 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This lecture course provides an introduction to topics of the philosophy of science. Emphasis will be put on topics of what in German is called 'Wissenschaftstheorie', i.e. the focus will tend to be on theories, methodologies, models, explanations, and logical relations, rather than on agents, institutions, practice, and contexts.

Assessment and permitted materials

The examination takes place in writing on site. Dictionaries are the only permitted aids. Three questions are asked. The answers to all three questions will be assessed. Answers should typically be given as a coherent text consisting mostly of complete sentences, not just keywords.
Answering the questions to a large extent involves the reproduction of the knowledge imparted, but also its independent application, contextualization, and evaluation on the part of the students.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Minimal requirements: Students have to demonstrate a basic grasp of the problems, concepts, ideas, theories, and arguments of the course.

Standards of assessment: The quality of answers will be evaluated on the basis of correctness, consistency, completeness, scope, clarity of argument, logical reasoning, and precision. Excellent to outstanding answers go beyond systematic and diligent reproduction of imparted knowledge, but in addition evaluate, criticize, qualify, or extend upon it, or apply in in new contexts.

For the three questions, a total of 21 points can be scored. Grades are awarded on the following basis:
below 10,5 points: ‘negative’ (5)
10,5 to 13,49 points: ‘sufficient’ (4)
13,5 to 15,99 points: ‘satisfactory’ (3)
16 to 18,49 points: ‘good’ (2)
18,5 to 21 points: ‘excellent’ (1)

Examination topics

Contents of the course including accompanying texts. Additional background readings can be helpful for addressing the exam questions. However, even very good answers do not necessarily require recourse to background readings.

Reading list

Accompanying texts and background readings will be recommended and partly provided via Moodle, including sections of:
Schurz, Gerhard (2006/2014). Einführung in die Wissenschaftstheorie. wbg.
and of:
Balzer, Wolfgang & Brendel, Karl (2019). Theorie der Wissenschaften. Springer.
Carnap, Rudolf (1974). An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. Basic Books.
Halvorson, Hans (2019). The Logic in Philosophy of Science. Cambridge University Press.
Hoyningen-Huene, Paul (2013). Systematicity - The Nature of Science. Oxford University Press.
Ladyman, James (2002). Understanding Philosophy of Science. Routledge.
Mantzavinos, Chrysostomos (2025, forthcoming). The Constitution of Science. Cambridge University Press.
Okasha, Samir (2002). Philosophy of Science. A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
Przelecki, Marian (1969). The Logic of Empirical Theories. Routledge.
Psillos, Stathis (2005). Scientific Realism. How Science Tracks Truth. Routledge.
Salmon, Wesley et al. (1992/1999). Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. Hackett.
Schurz, Gerhard (2014). Philosophy of Science. A Unified Approach. Routledge.
Stegmüller, Wolfgang (1969-1986). Probleme und Resultate der Wissenschaftstheorie und Analytischen Philosophie (4 Bände).
Veigl, Sophie & Currie, Adrian (2025, forthcoming). Methods in the Philosophy of Science. A User's Guide. The MIT Press.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Tu 11.03.2025 20:06