Scientific Methods and Research Ethics
The course consists of a review and critical analysis of basic concepts and issues relating to scientific methods and research ethics.
Examples of concepts that will be analysed include knowledge, truth,hypothesis, evidence, meaning, interpretation, objectivity, and social construction. Examples of questions that will be discussed: What is science? Are there fundamental differences in methods between different types of science? Is scientific objectivity possible? Is truth absolute, or does it vary with different theoretical perspectives? What ethical standards are there for scientific research, and how can they be justified?
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Course structure
More about the course Autumn 2025
Instructors: period 1: James Nguyen and Greg Bognar
Instructors: period 2: Johannes Nyström, Johan Brännmark och Björn Brunnander
Learning Platform
More detailed course planning will be published on the course’s Athena page. Admitted students will have automatic access to Athena once they have activated their university account and been registered at the department.
Language of instruction
Language of instruction this term is english.
Expected results, and grading scale
See Syllabus
Teaching format
Mandatory attendance of 80% applies to all teaching sessions.
Assessment
The course is examined on the basis of a take-home examination.
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Schedule
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. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Staffan Carlshamre: Philosophy of the Cultural Sciences (Preprint, Department of Philosophy)
D.B Resnik: The Ethics of Science: An introduction (Routledge)
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Course reports
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Contact
Director of Studies Björn Brunnander bjorn.brunnander@philosophy.su.se
