Objectives
At the end of the course, students will obtain:
- Basic and fundamental knowledge of epistemology
- Ability to critically reflect on the methodologies used in scientific research
- Skills related to the proper application of quantitative and qualitative methodology.
Programme
The course provides an introduction to science and philosophy of science, exploring some of the fundamental questions related to the scientific method. The theoretical bases of epistemology will be outlined, in the light of which the various processes of scientific research will be examined. Scientific models such as positivism, critical rationalism and hermeneutics/phenomenology will be illustrated.
During the course, ample space will be given to critical reflections on the scientific method.
The quantitative and qualitative methods available to the Human and Social Sciences will be outlined.
Finally, the relationship between science and society will be examined.
Exam
The assessment will consist of a written and oral exam.
The written exam involves answering 16 multiple choice questions (2 questions for each of the 8 lessons) with 4 choices (of which only one is correct).
The oral exam will focus on deepening the student’s knowledge and reflection skills on the course topics.
The written test constitutes access criterion for the oral test and define the starting grade. Students who fail the written exam will not be admitted to the oral exam.
The oral exam may improve, worsen or confirm the outcome of the written exam.
Bibliography
Slides provided by the teacher at the end of each lesson and book chapters indicated by the teacher on the last day of class.
