Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Philosophical Perspectives on Science
Module Code	CM535
School	School of Communications
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Padraig Murphy Semester 2: Padraig Murphy Autumn: Padraig Murphy
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

This module is an exploration of the epistemological and ethical dimensions of science. It examines from a historical point of view the changing philosophical positions underlying scientific work. It considers the impact of the prevailing positivism in modern science. It reflects on ethical issues raised by developments in science.

Learning Outcomes

1. Articulate the range of epistemological and ethical perspectives on science
2. Place such perspectives in socio-historical context
3. Demonstrate a capacity for critical analysis of science in its epistemological and ethical dimensions
4. Explain the range of positions in the 'science wars'
5. Debate such questions as rationalism v empiricism, realism v constructivism, positivism v postmodernism, science and religion: compatible or contradictory?
6. Examine ethical principles and their application to controversies in contemporary science, and explore the challenges of bioethics

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	22	presentations by lecturer interspersed with class participation and debate
Independent learning time	55	reading texts and writing journals
Independent learning time	80	No Description
Total Workload: 157

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

history of science.
how is the history of science connected to the history of philosophy, economics, politics, culture in the modern period?.

philosophy of science.
why the trajectory from positivism to neopositivism to postpositivism?.

marxism.
what do its politics and economics have to do with epistemology and science?.

sociology of knowledge.
how have class, race and gender impacted on the production of knowledge?.

science wars.
who are the combatants and why the combat?.

science and relgion.
compatible or contradictory?.

ethical theories.
how to decide what is right and wrong in science?.

nanoethics.
what are the ethical issues with using nanotechnology to cure diseases, extend life indefinitely and direct human evolution?.

stem cell research.
does it matter from where the stem cells come?.

climate change controversies.
political and ethical dimensions of climate science.

health research funding.
social justice and global diseases.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Reflective journal	Weekly log by students, reflecting on issues raised in lectures and course readings	90%	Every Week
Presentation	participate in class debates on science wars and on science and religion	10%	Week 25

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Beauchamp, T & Childress, J: 2001, Principles of Biomedical Ethics, Oxford,
Bricmont, J & Sokol, A: 1998, Intellectual Impostures, London,
Bryant, J, Baggott la Velle, L & Searle, J: 2005, Introduction to Bioethics, Chichester,
Gross, O & Levitt, N: 1996, The Flight from Science and Reason, New York,
Rose, H: 1994, Love, Power and Knowledge, Cambridge,
Sheehan, H: 1993, Marxism and the Philosophy of Science: A Critical History, New Jersey,
Singer, P & Huhse, H (ed): 2006, Bioethics: An Anthology, Oxford,
Tarnas, R: 1991, The Passion of the Western Mind, New York,
Watson, P: 2000, The Modern Mind, New York,
Chalmers, A.: 1999, What is this thing called science?, 3rd, Open University Press,