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180120 SE Introduction to Philosophy of Biology (2020S)
Continuous assessment of course work
Labels
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).
- Registration is open from Fr 14.02.2020 09:00 to Mo 24.02.2020 10:00
- Registration is open from We 26.02.2020 09:00 to Mo 02.03.2020 10:00
- Deregistration possible until Th 30.04.2020 23:59
Details
max. 30 participants
Language: English
Lecturers
Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N
- Wednesday 11.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
- Wednesday 18.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
- Wednesday 25.03. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
- Wednesday 01.04. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
- Wednesday 22.04. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
- Wednesday 29.04. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
- Wednesday 06.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
- Wednesday 13.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
- Wednesday 20.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
- Wednesday 27.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
- Wednesday 03.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
- Wednesday 10.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
- Wednesday 17.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
- Wednesday 24.06. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
Information
Aims, contents and method of the course
The course acts as a broad introduction to the various issues in contemporary philosophy of biological science. Topics include explanation in the life sciences (laws, models, mechanisms), the nature of evolutionary theory, reductionism and biological functions, evolutionary contingency and the biological basis of mind and social behaviour. The philosophical topics are approached from a pragmatic and scientifically-informed perspective and the readings are accompanied by scientific journal articles and other resources.Having taken the course the students should be able to navigate the conceptual landscape of contemporary philosophy of biology. Besides being able to take part in philosophical argumentation, the students will also learn about the naturalistic approach to philosophy of science, where conceptual philosophical work is developed in close connection to actual scientific practices and results.Methods include close reading and critical discussion of the literature (concepts, themes, arguments), written reflections of the articles, (co-)chairing the group discussion, and a short presentation of an article of interest.
Assessment and permitted materials
Assessment is based on attendance, class participation and assignments.
Minimum requirements and assessment criteria
1. Active participation to the seminar (25%)
2. Homework (25%)
3. Co-chairing a session (10%)
4. A thesis-oriented essay (40%)
2. Homework (25%)
3. Co-chairing a session (10%)
4. A thesis-oriented essay (40%)
Examination topics
Reading list
The full list of readings will be given at the first lecture.
Association in the course directory
Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:21