PHI2800 : Philosophy and Science
PHI2800 : Philosophy and Science
- Offered for Year: 2025/26
- Module Leader(s): Dr Miriam Baldwin
- Owning School: School X
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| PHI1010 | Rationalism and Empiricism |
Pre Requisite Comment
Useful for Students to have some foundation in epistemological philosophies - theories of knowledge and truth.
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
The aim of the module is to foster analytical thinking and critical engagement. The module will introduce students to seminal thinkers in philosophy of science and social sciences, and present counter-currents to scientism. The module is compatible with interdisciplinary study. Lectures will introduce key theorists and seminars will underpin these.
Outline Of Syllabus
Content subject to change depending on staff teaching interests.
Key Topics:
• Introduction to Philosophy of Science (Induction/Deduction/Theory Dependence of Observation). Falsification/Hypothetico-Deductive Method (Popper).
• Paradigms and Scientific Revolutions (Kuhn).
• ‘Against Method’ and Theoretical Anarchism (Feyerabend).
• Romantic Counter-Cultural reactions to Science and Enlightenment Rationalism: Primacy of feeling over scientific rationalism (W.H. Wackenroder).
• Knowledge, feeling and suffering (John Keats).
• Wisdom versus Science in The Birth of Tragedy (Nietzsche)
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Knowledge of key themes in epistemology and value underpinning seminal debates in philosophy of science and social science.
Knowledge of substantive counter-cultural critiques of the primacy of scientific-rationalistic knowledge and methods.
Knowledge of synergies between epistemic and methodological frameworks.
Knowledge of axiology informing Romantic counter currents.
Intended Skill Outcomes
The ability to critically interpret, assess and use information. The ability to critically interrogate systems of knowledge. Ability to evaluate and situate thinkers in wider intellectual currents, as a basis for rational action. The ability to work individually and as part of a team to address live issues. Ability to apply theories to current intellectual debates.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 52:00 | 52:00 | Review lecture material, prepare for small group teaching and assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Essay preparation and completion |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | N/A |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | Specific research or reading activities developed and directed a academic staff |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 8 | 1:00 | 8:00 | Tutorials |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 2 | 1:00 | 2:00 | N/A |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The aim of the module is to engender independent, critical skills and an ability to navigate seminal ideas at epistemic, axiological and methodological levels. The rationale of teaching methods based on lecture followed by seminar schedule, is to enable (1) delivery of concepts and their embedding in the pedagogic landscape and (2) through the seminar facilitate student skill in interrogating and critically engaging with material.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | A | 100 | 2000 word essay |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The essay assessment on this module appropriately and realistically tests for student competences given the material studied.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHI2800's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- PHI2800's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2025 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, staffing changes, and student feedback. Module information for the 2026/27 entry will be published here in early-April 2026. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.