English
Swedish

Every autumn semester

The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to theory of science issues and methods relevant to research and development in the engineering sciences. A further aim is to encourage reflection and constructive critical discussion of current research, research methods and their background.

The course starts with an introductory part in which the most important scientific strategies and their applicability to different types of research are discussed. This is followed by a part addressing in greater detail theory of science themes such as ontology, observation and explanations. A concluding component addresses the modern debate and present-day engineering research.

have general knowledge of key theory of science issues and discussions such as “What is science? What is empirical support? Can a hypothesis be falsified? What is a scientific explanation? What are the roles of experiments and observations in science? Are scientific theories true? How are scientific concepts formed?”.

be able to analyse their own and others’ research constructively from a theory of science perspective in a way that benefits further PhD studies
be able to use important concepts of the theory of science in oral and written reports.

demonstrate willingness to discuss theory of science issues with other doctoral students and researchers.

Lectures

Seminars

Exercises

The course consists of lectures, seminars, oral presentations and written assignments.

Written assignments

Seminars given by participants

The assessment is based on continual written assignments and oral presentations. For a Pass on the course, participants must have passed all assignments in the course and made an oral presentation.

Failed, pass

To be admitted to the course applicants have to be part of a PhD programme at LTH.

Priority is given to: 1) PhD students who have previously applied to the course and were eligible at the time, 2) PhD students who are closest to finishing their PhD programmes.

Chalmers, A.: What is this thing called science?. Open University Press, 1999. ISBN 0335201091.
Hacking, I.: Representing and intervening: Introductory topics in the philosophy of natural science. Cambridge University Press, 1983. ISBN 0521238293.
Persson, J. & Sahlin, N.-E.: Vetenskapsteori för sanningssökare. Fri Tanke, 2013. ISBN 9789186061869.

Replaces GEM040F.

GEM041F

 -05-28

FN1/Anders Gustafsson FN2/Eva Nordberg Karlsson FN3/Per Tunestål