• Aalto University
  • Puu-19.Z Surface Interactions of Biomaterials (6 ECTS)
  • Puu-21.6020 Fibre and Paper Physics (8 ECTS)
  • Puu-21.6110 Philosophy of Science and Technology (5 ECTS)
  • Puu-23.6010 Advances in Bleaching Techniques (8 ECTS)
  • Puu-23.6080 Cellulose Chemistry (8 ECTS)
  • Puu-23.6090 Advances in Biorefineries (8 ECTS)
  • Puu-21.6100 Interfacial Phenomena in Environmental Technology
• Abo Akademi University
• Lappeenranta University of Technology
• Tampere University of Technology
• University of Helsinki
• University of Jyväskylä

Puu-21.6110 Philosophy of Science and Technology (5 ECTS)

ORGANISING UNIT

Paper Technology Research and Teaching Group, Department of Forest Products Technology, Aalto University School of Chemical Technology.

DATE AND PLACE

Fall 2012, Aalto University School of Chemical Technology.

LECTURER

Professor Kristina Rolin, Aalto University School of Economics

COURSE TYPE

Three-day intensive course

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The objective is to provide an overview of contemporary philosophy of science, including science and engineering ethics. Scientific knowledge is characterized in terms of its methods of reasoning, the special role it grants to empirical data in the justification of knowledge claims, and its specific social organization. We will also review recent theories of scientific explanation and causality. Finally, we will address ethical questions concerning risk assessment, relations between academic research and R&D in corporations, and intellectual property rights.

After taking the course, the participants understand the criteria for scientific knowledge. They have sufficient knowledge of philosophy of science, its basic concepts and arguments, in order to participate in controversies in their own disciplines concerning epistemology, methodology, and proper conduct of research. The participants master the basic tools for analyzing argument structures, a skill that will help them write their research reports with the aim of presenting an argument in support of their major thesis. The participants have an understanding of academic research as a particular kind of social practice that is different from other practices they may encounter in the management of universities and corporations 

Lectures (two days)

1. Scientific reasoning
2. Theories of epistemic justification
3. Post-positivist philosophy of science: the social turn
4. Explanation and causality
5. Values in science
6. Research ethics

Seminar (one day)

1. Tensions between academic and business practices
2. Philosophy of risk assessment and management
3. Moral justification of intellectual property rights

No previous studies in philosophy are required.

COURSE LITERATURE

Material distributed during the course.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Kristina Rolin, Aalto University School of Economics, kristina.rolin(at)aalto.fi