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Philosophy of Science
Philosophie der Naturwissenschaften
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:35
Abstract
In this introductory course, central topics of philosophy of science will be introduced on the basis of selected texts and discussed together. Among others, the topics of explanation, laws of nature, theoretical concepts, causality, emergence, theory development and truth in the sciences will be addressed.
Objective
The seminar deals with basic questions of philosophy of science that every scientist should be aware of. Participants will learn to address these questions and will be guided to reflect on their self-understanding as scientists.
Content
In this introductory course, central problems of philosophy of science will be introduced on the basis of selected texts and discussed together. These problems include, for example, what an explanation is, whether laws of nature correspond to actual constraints in nature or whether they serve us as a means of describing nature, what a scientific theory is in the first place, whether the terms used in theories, such as "electric field strength", correspond to something in reality, or whether they too are mere tools of description, whether there are causal powers behind observed regularities, to what extent science is about truth, when it is clear that scientific models do not actually match reality, or finally whether higher level theories like thermodynamics can be reduced to lower level theories like statistical mechanics. In addition, science itself will be questioned philosophically: How do theories evolve, how can science be distinguished from pseudoscience, what role do experiments play in science, and is there any such thing as a neutral view on reality independent of theoretical presuppositions?
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DS , MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Signup End
- 13.01.2025
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Philosophie der Naturwissenschaften |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Wissenschaft im Kontext (Science in Perspective) (In Kursen aus dem Programm “Wissenschaft im Kontext” lernen Studierende, die MINT Fächer der ETH aus der Perspektive der Geistes-, Sozial- und Staatswissenschaften zu reflektieren. Nur die in diesem Abschnitt aufgelisteten Fächer können als "Wissenschaft im Kontext" angerechnet werden.)
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Typ A: Förderung allgemeiner Reflexionskompetenz (WiK-Kurse werden für Bachelorstudierende nach dem ersten Studienjahr sowie für alle Masterstudierende und Doktorierende empfohlen. Alle WiK-Kurse sind in Typ A gelistet. Bei den unter Typ B aufgeführten Kursen handelt es sich lediglich um Belegungsempfehlungen für bestimmte Departemente.)
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