Philosophy of Social Sciences

In the last decade the philosophy of the social sciences has become a vibrant field with exciting research on a host of topics. It is to some of this exciting research, and the debates that provide for a context of discussion, that this course will give detailed attention. This will lead to rethinking some of the classic questions in the field both at the philosophical level and in an applied form:
can social science be objective?
how do models of causality best work in social science?
what counts as scientific evidence? what use do we make of evidence, both in science and in policy making?
how can 'interdisciplinary research' be valued and promoted?
The course will address both students whose primary interest is in philosophy and students who concentrate more on the social science side. Discussion and exchange between these two groups will be highly encouraged during the course.

- a good background knowledge of the main philosophical debates about social science (past and current)
- knowledge of major perspectives of research and research methodology in social science
- knowledge of some of the main philosophical issues debated in social science and their relevance for social debate

Students should also acquire the following skills:
- to approach issues emerging from social science in a philosophically consistent and rigorous style of argument
- to single out and to be able to discuss some of the philosophical and social implications of the questions and problems raised by social science in specific practical contexts of research
- to assess the validity and relevance of philosophical arguments used in social scientific debates

No specific knowledge of the topics under investigation is expected. The course will address students with an interest in philosophy of science and social science, social methodology, scientific explanation, applied ethics, and interdisciplinary research.

1. The role and value of interdisciplinary research
2. Experts and knowledge: role and use in social debate
3. Scientific evidence and social context of use
4. Causality and causal models
5. Objectivity: facts, numbers, values
(detailed descriptions of topics can be found in the "Course Programme' on Moodle)

Course text:
N.Cartwright-E.Montuschi, Philosophy of Social Science: A New Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2014)
The text can be ordered online: http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199645107.do

Further reading as specified in the 'Course Programme' (available on Moodle).

Final assessment is by a two-hours written examination. The exam will consist of three questions, each addressing an issue arisen from the topics discussed during the course. For each answer the student is expected to demonstrate both a basic understanding of the issues and a capacity for answering each question in a well argued and focused manner. The grade received for the course depends on exam performance only. However, keeping up with the reading assigned for each lectures and, where possible, participating in discussion are the most effective way to prepare for exams. It is also an effective way for students to monitor their strengths and weaknesses, and to discover and remedy gaps in their understanding, all in good time ahead of exams.

Lectures, class discussions, seminars with invited speakers

Italian

Please contact the course instructor for any request of clarification concerning the course and related aspects.

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