PHI401 Research Ethics and Philosophy of Science I

The close relation between research ethics and philosophy of science is central. The issues to be discussed in the course include: foundations of ethics and research ethics; the relation between facts and values; the norm and value systems of science; the significance of autonomous research in the light of political and economic interests; fraud and misconduct; ethical guidelines; risks and benefits of science; the perception of risks; co-authorship; views on scientific methods; nature’s laws and capacities, idealization and models; models and metaphors; perspectives on historical developments in science and scientific progress; the social construction of knowledge; scientific realism versus relativism; reduction and unification in science; the relation between natural and social sciences; interdisciplinary research.

The course aims at improving the ability to identify and diagnose philosophical problems and ethical aspects in scientific work and to raise the awareness of the scientist’s moral responsibility. The course sets out to increase the understanding of science as practiced in diverse ways within the natural, social, and cultural fields. We will look into what is characteristic of scientific practices, scientific rationality, and the scientific methods in various disciplines; which are the objectives of science; how does society influence science; how does science influence society? Students are to be stimulated to reflect in an informed and independent manner on these and other issues, and to develop skills in identifying issues across the disciplines. Students are to acquire general competence in critical reflection on science as well as an ethical competence in handling certain aspects of scientific work.