Goals

To initiate the students to the core topics and questions of philosophy of science, mostly in its epistemological dimension (about the nature, the bounds and stakes of scientific knowledge).

Content

The course will associate a (quite light) historical approach of philosophy of science to current reflexions about hot topics (scientific realism, empiricism and its critics, scientific method, modelling, observation and its biases, the demarcation between science and pseudoscience or scientific expertise).

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra, with invitations to debate.

Assessment method

For both sessions: oral exam on the content of the lectures (no access to personal notes). Two open questions picked randomly, with some 15 minutes preparation time.

Sources, references and any support material

Slides of the lectures as well as references will be provided on WebCampus.

Language of instruction

French