Philosophy of social sciences (3 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

After this course the PhD candidate
- is able to use basic philosophical concepts of science
- masters the theories about the relationship between mind and language
- understands the characteristics of the ontology and construction of social-institutional world and use of power, and
- is able to plan and evaluate contemporary political, legal, ideological and cultural research and thinking.

Execution methods

The first meeting will start with organization of the course and discussion on pre-reads. Independent pre-work with the material, lectures/working-groups (15 h) and essay. An online connection to the lectures will be made available. Online participants will take part in the lectures/working groups actively through the online classroom; participation of both in-class and online participants is monitored.

Accomplishment methods

Independent reading, lecture-participation (15 h) and essay.

Content

The course is designed for doctoral candidates having their work in progress. Doctoral candidates should have basic knowledge and experience of their own discipline. Before the lectures, participants should read and understand at least the main course book and other article material delivered before the lectures. The lectures consist of analysis of the basic claims/theories presented in the book and the articles. A part of work is possibly carried out in smaller groups; this encourages interaction between the students and the teacher and enhances analysis and critical assessment of substantive issues presented.

The main course book is John Searle´s Making of the Social World. Other material consists writings from scholars like René Descartes, David Hume, Immanuel Kant, Georg H.F. Hegel (skeptical, analytical, epistemological and ontological approaches), 19th and 20th centuries positivists and Jacques Lacan (social conversations/discourses). During the lectures reference is made also to Walter Benjamin, Michel Foucault, Gilles Deleuze and Slavoj Žižek. The scientific and social philosophical ideas are discussed during the course largely through everyday examples related to the current political, legal and social debates.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

1–5