DRL005 Philosophy of Science (Autumn 2022)

About the course

The course is an important tool for gathering all the PhD-students at the doctoral programme in logistics, while being relevant and of interest to students regardless of research project and methodological approach.

The course provides a broad introduction to the philosophy of science, with emphasis on the history of science, the strategies of science in producing knowledge, and the interaction between science and society. The course will present the role, basic concepts and main perspectives in in philosophy of science. Moreover, the course will address different topics in philosophy of science such as scientific reasoning, explanation in science, and perspective on the role and use of theories. The course will also present issues and perspectives on research ethics.

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Phd Studies in Logistics for external students
• Philosophiae Doctor in Logistics (PhD)

Recommended requirements

A completed relevant Master’s degree.

Concepts and topics of philosophy of science are applied on research within the participant’s own research tradition. Consequently, it is preferable that the participants have begun working with their doctoral thesis, making it possible to relate their own work to themes of philosophy of science. If the participant has not begun working with the thesis, it is necessary that a research plan is formulated, specifying research questions, method(s) and theoretical perspective(s).

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Students will have developed an understanding of main positions in the philosophy of science, and be able to critically assess theories and research contributions in areas relevant to logistics research. Students will also be able to apply an ethical perspective to their research area.

Knowledge

The doctoral student shall

• have a good overview of the field of philosophy of science, including concepts, perspectives, theories and conflicts, and have obtained knowledge of its implications for own research.

• understand the importance of theoretical perspectives for both research and practical problem solving.

• research.

• have a reflective approach, based on the philosophy of science, to the knowledge- frontiers within her/his research field.

Skills

The doctoral student shall

• be able to identify theoretical, ethical and methodological problems in the research process, and evaluate consequences of different approaches to these problems.

• be able to, within her/his research tradition, identify strategic research questions and formulate realistic research plans, with knowledge-strategies informed by philosophy of science.

General competence

The doctoral student shall

• be able to make independent ethical assessments in their field of work

• be able to relate scientific traditions to positions in philosophy of science

 

Forms of teaching and learning

The course is organized in two seminars, each of three days, which are mandatory. Between the first and the second session the students shall work on their course paper that will we presented by the students at the second seminar.

Examination

Examination is in the form of written and oral presentation of individual assignments related to the participants’ research interests.

Syllabus

Pensumoversikt

• DRL005 Philosophy of Science