Science & Reason (V7080)
Science and Reason
Module V7080
Module details for 2024/25.
15 credits
FHEQ Level 4
Module Outline
Science has a special status in our understanding of the world. According to many scientists and philosophers, it is our most reliable – and perhaps our only – source of knowledge about reality and our place within it. This module explores the nature and scope of science as a mode of inquiry. For example, what is science? How does science differ from other ways in which people seek to understand the world, such as through religion, the humanities, and philosophy? Some philosophers and scientists argue that there is no place in a modern scientific worldview for many of the things that populate our commonsense understanding of the world, including subjective experience, free will, meaning, altruism, and objective values. Are they right?
Module learning outcomes
Describe the philosophical issues raised by the special status of science which are considered in the course
Present the familiar arguments which underlie problems raised by the special status of science
Evaluate the arguments which underlie the problems raised by the special status of science
Argue for the student's own view of the philosophical issues raised in the module.
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100.00% | |
| Coursework components. Weighted as shown below. | ||
| Test | T1 Week 11 (2 hours) | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Semester | Lecture | 1 hour | 11111111110 |
| Autumn Semester | Seminar | 1 hour | 11111111110 |
| Autumn Semester | Workshop | 2 hours | 00000000001 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Prof Anthony Booth
Assess convenor
/profiles/308006
Dr Daniel Williams
Assess convenor
/profiles/288836
Prof Sarah Sawyer
Assess convenor
/profiles/198219
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