The course in Philosophy of the Natural Sciences is one of the core courses in the Bachelor’s Degree Program in Philosophy. It aims to explore topics at the intersection of our understanding of the natural world and traditional philosophical questions related to the quest to understand the nature of reality. In addition to the study of advanced texts in the philosophy of science, the course involves the reading and critical analysis of classic texts in scientific thought, with the goal of examining the philosophical premises and consequences of physics and other natural sciences and, on a more general level, strengthening the skills necessary to rigorously evaluate and formulate philosophical theses. By the end of the course, students will have acquired:
- advanced comprehension and critical thinking skills in relation to philosophical reflection, especially regarding science;
- knowledge of key moments in the development of modern and contemporary science;
- greater command of language and argumentative skills, particularly in relation to the topics covered in the course;
- the ability to read and analyze sources and critical debate, possibly also in English;
- the ability to give oral presentations and prepare written reports (in Italian and possibly in English)
- advanced comprehension and critical thinking skills in relation to philosophical reflection, especially regarding science;
- knowledge of key moments in the development of modern and contemporary science;
- greater command of language and argumentative skills, particularly in relation to the topics covered in the course;
- the ability to read and analyze sources and critical debate, possibly also in English;
- the ability to give oral presentations and prepare written reports (in Italian and possibly in English)
scheda docente
materiale didattico
The course will introduce and analyse some central themes in epistemology and the philosophy of science, having to do with knowledge. In particular, the following, mutually interconnected questions will be dealt with:
i) Is it possible to provide a coherent definition of the notion of knowledge? (Problem of definition);
ii) Can we know that there is an external world, actually possessing - approximately - the characteristics that it seems to have? (Problem of skepticism);
iii) Can we acquire knowledge of the external world based on experience? (Problem of induction);
iv) Is it reasonable to believe that science provides us with knowledge of the world beyond the phenomena? (Problem of scientific realism).
R. Audi, Epistemology. A Contemporary Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge, Routledge.
D. Hume, An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding (any edition), sections II-VII; alternatively, A Treatise of Human Nature, ed. Selby-Bigge (Clarendon) or Norton and Norton (Oxford University Press), book I, parts I and III.
P. Dicken, A Critical Introduction to Scientific Realism, Bloomsbury OR S. Psillos, Scientific Realism. How Science Tracks Truth, Routledge.
Mutuazione: 20740032 FILOSOFIA DELLE SCIENZE NATURALI in Scienze filosofiche LM-78 R MORGANTI MATTEO
Programma
LA NATURA E I LIMITI DELLA CONOSCENZA EMPIRICAThe course will introduce and analyse some central themes in epistemology and the philosophy of science, having to do with knowledge. In particular, the following, mutually interconnected questions will be dealt with:
i) Is it possible to provide a coherent definition of the notion of knowledge? (Problem of definition);
ii) Can we know that there is an external world, actually possessing - approximately - the characteristics that it seems to have? (Problem of skepticism);
iii) Can we acquire knowledge of the external world based on experience? (Problem of induction);
iv) Is it reasonable to believe that science provides us with knowledge of the world beyond the phenomena? (Problem of scientific realism).
Testi Adottati
All students, and in particular incoming Erasmus students, can use the following texts in English if they prefer to:R. Audi, Epistemology. A Contemporary Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge, Routledge.
D. Hume, An Enquiry concerning Human Understanding (any edition), sections II-VII; alternatively, A Treatise of Human Nature, ed. Selby-Bigge (Clarendon) or Norton and Norton (Oxford University Press), book I, parts I and III.
P. Dicken, A Critical Introduction to Scientific Realism, Bloomsbury OR S. Psillos, Scientific Realism. How Science Tracks Truth, Routledge.
Modalità Erogazione
The lectures are expected to be traditional classroom lectures. However, if required, lectures might take place in the form of distance learning through the university platforms.Modalità Frequenza
Attendance is highly recommended but not compulsory.Modalità Valutazione
Students are invited (not required) to give oral presentations. A 3-4000 words essay can also be written on a topic to be agreed upon with the lecturer. The quality of the essay will be taken into account for the final mark. The final exam will be written, unless required otherwise. Students will have approximately 90 minutes at their disposal for writing short answers to 4 or 5 questions. If requested, especially by Erasmus students, the exam can be done in English.