https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/W_BA_SCIEThe student has achieved a broad knowledge of central debates in contemporary philosophy of science.The student understands the key concepts and arguments employed in these debates.The student is able to present his/her own well-argued views regarding the nature of scientific knowledge and its role in today’s culture and society.The student is able to apply the general philosophical analyses to concrete cases, and can explain the relevance of these analyses to science practioners.This course will address key-subjects in philosophy of science:Classical philosophy of science;Historical and sociological research in science;Realism and the nature of scientific explanation;Science and values;Feminist's perspectives on science.Philosophy of science issuues in various disciplinesStudents also learn how to assess the value of resources according to the purpose they serveLectures, assignments, debatesExam with MPC questions and open questions (60)%: objectives 1, 2 and 4 Writing assignment (40%): objectives 3 and 4. Quizzes: pass/fail. Passing the quizzes is prerequisite for taking the exam. There is a minimum requirement of 5.0 for both the exam and the writing assignment.Kent W. Staley, An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science (Cambridge University Press, 2014). Other required readings will be announced through Canvas.BA2-students Philosophy; students in the Minor Philosophy.Recommended is a general familiarity with systematic or historical problems from philosophy.