FIL1007 Knowledge and Science

    • Number of credits
      10
    • Teaching semester
      2025 Autumn
    • Language of instruction
      English
    • Campus
      Lillehammer
    • Required prerequisite knowledge

      Ingen.

Course content

What is knowledge? What is the difference between knowing something and merely believing that it’s true? How much (if any) knowledge do we have? Under what conditions is it reasonable to believe what other people tell us? What characterizes the scientific method? What counts as evidence for or against a scientific theory?  This course will explore these or related central questions in the theory of knowledge (epistemology) and philosophy of science. Some implications for current issues of social significance will also be discussed (e.g., trust in scientific testimony on urgent global problems such as climate change).

Specific topics covered may include:

  • the standard definition of knowledge (and its problems)
  • central theories of justification
  • skepticism in epistemology
  • knowledge by testimony and expert testimony
  • the scientific method: abductive and inductive inference
  • the distinction between empirical and a priori knowledge
  • theory change in science
  • key problems in social epistemology

Learning Outcome

Having passed the course, the student has gained the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student

  • has knowledge of a range of central issues and problems in traditional epistemology, such as the standard definition of knowledge (and its problems), skepticism, the nature of justification, and the distinction between a priori and empirical knowledge
  • has knowledge of a range of central issues and problems in social epistemology, such as knowledge by testimony, the role of trust and expertise, and in philosophy of science, such as the demarcation problem, varieties of scientific inference, and the limits of science
  • has basic knowledge of the history of epistemology and philosophy of science
  • is familiar with major classical texts in epistemology and philosophy of science
  • is familiar with a variety of analytical methods used in epistemology and philosophy of science
  • knows how to independently expand and update their knowledge in these areas
Skills

The student

  • can account for central questions and problems in epistemology and philosophy of science, and discuss and evaluate different solutions to them
  • can articulate and defend their own viewpoints, positions and proposed solutions regarding such questions and problems
  • can apply their knowledge of epistemology and philosophy of science to other (professional and public) debates
  • can adjust their professional practice in response to feedback and supervision
  • can orient themselves in the relevant literature, both primary and secondary, and follow standard professional norms of attribution and reference
  • can critically evaluate their own and others’ written work on topics in epistemology and philosophy of science
General competence

The student

  • has increased analytical skills and ability for critical reflection on philosophical problems
  • has a sharpened understanding of how problems in epistemology and philosophy of science bears on larger societal questions and debates
  • can write academic essays on complex issues
  • can plan and carry out independent academic work
  • can discuss complex philosophical problems with others, both orally and in writing
  • can convey key problems and theories in epistemology and philosophy of science to others, both orally and in writing
Teaching and working methods
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Essay writing
  • Self-study

 

 

Required coursework

One oral presentation and one written paper (which may be preparatory for the final exam).

Form of assessment

At the end of the course, the student will submit a portfolio (“mappeeksamen”) for evaluation. The portfolio will consist of an exam essay on a topic approved by the course instructor. Often, but not necessarily, this essay will be a further development of the mandatory written assignment. The length of the exam essay will be announced at the beginning of class.

Grading according to ECTS-system on scale A-E for passed and F for failed.

Assessments
Form of assessmentGrading scaleGroupingDuration of assessmentSupport materialsProportionComment
Portfolio Assessment
ECTS - A-F
100
Nærmere informasjon om tillatte hjelpemidler blir gitt ved oppstart av undervisningen.

Reading list

Faculty
Inland School of Business and Social Sciences
Department
Department of Law, Philosophy and International studies with history