The course aims to address the main topics in the philosophy of natural sciences

1. Introduction

1.1 What is a scientific theory

1.2 Scientific realism

1.3 Scientific reasoning

2. Philosophy of physics

2.1 Philosophy of quantum mechanics

2.2 Philosophy of spacetime

2.3 Philosophy of complex systems

3. Philosophy of biology

3.1 Genetics and molecular biology

3.2 The logical structure of the theory of evolution

3.3 Biology and philosophical anthropology

none

Knowledge and understanding skills: students who finish the course will be able to investigate from a logical point of view scientific models.

 Using knowledge and understanding (applying knowledge and understanding): students will be able to evaluate naturalistic research projects epistemologically

Ability to draw conclusions (making judgments): students will be able to construct simple epistemological models of scientific reasoning

 Communication skills (communication skills): students will be able to present their views on the meaning of scientific theories orally

Learning skills: students will be able to study new models of scientific reasoning

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Supporting materials will be uploaded in the blended. 

Teaching

Lectures, flipped learning

Teaching is delivered in a blended mode, that is, the lectures
are held in-person in the classroom and are simultaneously transmitted remotely within the
Moodle platform.

Innovative teaching methods

Flipped learning

Attendance

For students who want to take the exam as attending is advisable to attend at least two thirds of the lessons.

Course books

Stuff produced by the teacher.

Assessment

The assessment is oral. 

At least two questions will be asked of the candidates.

The criteria on the basis of which the answers will be evaluated are:

1. Clear and informed exposition.

2. Mastery of the topics covered in class.

3. Ability to critically expound content.

4. Ability to personally elaborate on the topics.

To achieve sufficiency, the first criterion must be fully met.

To achieve praise, the fourth criterion must be fully met.

This grade is averaged with the grade in Logic

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Zoom interviews, blended material, receiving e-mail.

Attendance

none

Course books

D. Rickles, Philosophy of physics, Polity

P. Godfrey-Smith, Philosophy of biology, Princeton University Press.

Assessment

The assessment is oral. 

At least two questions will be asked of the candidates.

The criteria on the basis of which the answers will be evaluated are:

1. Clear and informed exposition.

2. Mastery of the topics covered in the two books.

3. Ability to critically expound content.

4. Ability to personally elaborate the topics.

To achieve sufficiency, the first criterion must be fully met.

To achieve praise, the fourth criterion must be fully met.

This grade is averaged with the  grade in Logic.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.