Philosophy of Science I

This course deals with the most important questions that have been raised within philosophy of science since the beginning of the 20th century. The course conveys a basic knowledge of philosophical problems that are prompted by science, as well as some of the most influential proposals to resolve them.

Registration
Well in advance of the start of the course, an email will be sent to all admitted students with information and instructions. Admitted students are expected to register themselves (online registration).

More about the course

How does scientific inference work? How are scientific theories supported by empirical evidence? How and to what degree is empiricism theory dependent? How do scientific theories develop over time? What is a scientific explanation? What is a natural law? What is a causal relationship? What is actually described by a scientific theory?
The course content is particularly suitable for students who either have at least one semester of studies in theoretical philosophy, or at least one semester of university studies in a scientific discipline, behind them.
For further description: see the syllabus (kursplan) and the detailed course planning to be posted on Athena. 

Learning platform: Reading instructions, detailed course planning, etc. will be posted on the course's Athena page. Admitted students who have activated their student account and have been registered on the course automatically become participants on the course's Athena page.

Instructor Spring term 2026: Siska De Baerdemaeker

Language of instruction spring Term 2026: English

Expected learning outcomes, as well as information about the grading scale: See the syllabus (kursplan).

Grading criteria: See Swedish version of this page.


Teaching Format

The teaching will consist of lectures and discussions. See syllabus for attendance requirements.


Assessment

The course is examined with two homework assignments.


The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.

 

 

Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.

Rosenberg, Alex, and Lee McIntyre (2020) Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary Introduction (Fourth Edition) New York: London. Pp. 294.

All other readings will be made available online.

Course reports are displayed for the three most recent course instances.








Student office

Director of studies Mattias Högström mattias.hogstrom@philosophy.su.se

Student councelling studievagledning@philosophy.su.se

Teacher Siska De Baerdemaeker siska.debaerdemaeker@philosophy.su.se

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