The course will present the main features of central traditions and positions in the philosophy of science. The relation between basic problems in the philosophy of science and concrete methodological issues will be elucidated. The aim is a thorough understanding of presuppositions influencing own research, and methodological and theoretical challenges emerging in research on diakonia and professional practice. The intrinsic relation between knowledge, science and values will be discussed. Furthermore, ethical issues in scientific practices and research will be treated, including research ethics, guidelines from the national committees on research ethics, and relevant legal regulations.

Main Subjects:

• Main traditions and positions in the philosophy of science: Historic lines of development, key thematic concepts and central questions of debate.
• Basic issues in the philosophy of science related to examples of concrete research projects.
• Knowledge, science and values.
• Research ethics; guidelines, principles and legislation.

Participant activity will be central in group discussions and presentations of PhD projects.

Students enrolled in the course will receive a text compendium with parts of the literature on the reading list.

Sessions

One week, days Monday to Friday on campus. A combination of lectures, group discussions and presentations of the candidates’ PhD projects. This course uses Canvas as the platform for information and lectures.

Time and place

Date: Date: Monday 27. November 2023, 9.30 – Friday 01. December 2023, 15.00.

Place: VID Diakonhjemmet (Campus Oslo), room: D14-D124

Group sessions:

27-29.11. and 1.12. 14:15-16:00 D14-C222 of D14-C221

30.11 14:15-16:00 D14-C222 og D14-C113

Compulsory assignments

Reading before the course:

It is expected that participants are familiar with the relevant literature before the course. The reading list is available below. The bibliography for the course is approximately 800 pages.

Pre-course paper:

Participants are asked to submit a written text ahead of the course, approximately 1-2 pages. The text should reflect on the relationship between the theory of science and methodological choices made in the candidates' PhD projects. During the course, there will be time for presentations, followed by questions and discussions relating to the theme of the course.

Deadline for submission of written text: Monday, November 6, 2023.

Submission is on Canvas.

Assessment

Paper

In order to obtain 10 ECTS, students must submit a written paper of max. 3500 words +/- 10%, references excluded (approximately 10 pages, 1.5 line spacing). Normal academic standard in terms of structure, references and bibliography is expected. With the candidate's ongoing PhD project as a frame of reflection, the paper should imperatively discuss topics from the course and central questions within the philosophy of science. We expect the use of literature from the reading list and/or equivalent literature.

Deadline for submission of written paper: February 12, 2024, in Inspera Assessment.

You will find more information about Inspera Assessment on the course pages at Canvas.