Skip to main content

Module Catalogue

PH123 - Elements of Scientific Method

  • Module code: PH123
  • Module name: Elements of Scientific Method
  • Department: Philosophy
  • Credit: 6

Content and teaching | Assessment | Availability

Module content and teaching

Principal aims

This module introduces you to some core issues within the philosophy of science, including the problem of induction, the demarcation between science and non-science, the underdetermination of theory by data, and the status of realism in the sciences. We will read key texts by some of the most influential philosophers of science such as Popper, Kuhn and Quine, and examples from the history of science will be used to critically examine their arguments..

Principal learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should have gained knowledge of some key positions and debates in the philosophy, have developed some ability to critically engage with those positions and debates, and be able to appreciate some of the connections between concrete scientific practice and philosophical theorizing about science.

Timetabled teaching activities

Summer term. 2 lectures and 1 seminar per week for the first 5 weeks.

Departmental link

http://www.go.warwick.ac.uk/ph123

Other essential notes

Please note that attendance at both lectures and seminars and completion of any unasssessed or required work is a requirement of this module

Module assessment

Assessment group Assessment name Percentage
6 CATS (Module code: PH123-6)
B (Examination only) Examination - Main Summer Exam Period (weeks 4-9) 100%

Module availability

This module is available on the following courses:

Core
  • Undergraduate History and Philosophy (V1V5) - Year 1
Optional Core

N/A

Optional
  • Undergraduate Mathematics (BSc) (G100) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Mathematics with Intercalated Year (G101) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Mathematics (MMath) (G103) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Mathematics (MMath) with Study in Europe (G106) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics (BSc MMathStat) (G1G3) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Mathematics and Business Studies (with Intercalated Year) (G1N2) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Mathematics and Business Studies (G1NC) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Master of Mathematics,Operational Research,Statistics and Economics (G300) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Computer Science (G500) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Computer Science MEng (G503) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Computer and Management Sciences (G5N1) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics (BSc) (GG14) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Mathematics and Economics (GL11) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Mathematics and Economics (with Intercalated Year) (GL12) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Mathematics and Philosophy (GV17) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Mathematics and Philosophy with Intercalated Year (GV18) - Year 1
  • Undergraduate Mathematics,Operational Research,Statistics and Economics (Y602) - Year 1