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Philosophy of Science
Wissenschaftsphilosophie
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:24:55
Abstract
The lecture focuses on the rationality of science. The view that knowledge claims can be based exclusively on empirical investigation and logics has been criticized. The sciences are heterogeneous, influenced by their social context and dependent on research practices with moral implications.
Objective
Students know some important positions and issues in philosophy of science and are able to discuss their importance for environmental or natural sciences.
Content
The lecture is about the rationality of science. Philosophy of science started at the beginning of the 20th century to change philosophy into a scientific enterprise by analyzing the knowledge claims of science with the means of logics. The lecture starts with the program of the analytical tradition of philosophy of science which bases the rationality of science on logics and empirical investiagtion. The lecture continues with the main lines of critique, such as the heterogeneity of the sciences, the analysis of research practices, the role of the social context in the development of science and moral implications of research.
Resources
Lecture Notes
A reader with papers on the various topics will be available for students.
Literature
A list of introductory literature and handbooks will be distributed to the students together with the reader.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- DZ , DS , BSC , SHE
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Wissenschaftsphilosophie |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (In order to be awarded credits, please register under "Pflichtwahlfach GESS"!. The language courses are offered by the ETH and University of Zurich Language Center.)
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Educational Science for MAS SHE and TC (These are the general course offerings of the programmes Master of Advanced Studies in Secondary and Higher Education (MAS SHE) - categories Educational Science and Compulsory Elective Courses - and Teaching Certificate (TC) - category Educational Science. Exception: the course offerings for the subjects Agricultural Science, Environmental Studies and Food Science are listed under the respective programmes.)