Course Details in 2023/24 Session

Module Title	LI Science and Nature
School	Phil, Theology and Religion
Department	Philosophy
Module Code	09 30886
Module Lead	Dr Maja Spener
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Seminar-8 hours Guided independent study-172 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	What is science, and how and why does it work so well? What must nature be like if science is to be possible? Can science replace philosophy when it comes to answering the most fundamental questions about reality? This module explores metaphysical and epistemological questions that arise in general philosophy of science and in the philosophy of the special sciences. Topics will include some of the following: science and pseudoscience, realism and explanation, laws of nature, chance and determinism, natural kinds and causation, the relationship between science and philosophy.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: identify and explain a range of distinct philosophical puzzles presented by the success of natural science. show understanding of the significance of distinct systematic conceptions of the nature and function of science. clearly articulate different views of the relation between science and philosophy analyse and evaluate philosophical arguments and communicate their analyses, evaluations, and arguments well.
Assessment	30886-01 : Essay 1 - 1750 Word Essay : Coursework (50%) 30886-02 : Essay 2 - 1750 Word Essay : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessments: 2 x 1750 word essays (50% each) Reassessment: 2 x 1750 word essays If a student fails the module as a consequence of failing one component and passing the other, the student re-sits the failed component only.
Other
Reading List