Universität Wien

180022 PS Thomas Kuhn: The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (2021S)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Continuous assessment of course work
REMOTE
Moodle

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 45 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Tuesday 09.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital
  • Tuesday 16.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital
  • Tuesday 23.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital
  • Tuesday 13.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital
  • Tuesday 20.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital
  • Tuesday 27.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital
  • Tuesday 04.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital
  • Tuesday 11.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital
  • Tuesday 18.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital
  • Tuesday 01.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital
  • Tuesday 08.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital
  • Tuesday 15.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital
  • Tuesday 22.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital
  • Tuesday 29.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Digital

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

In this course, we will read Thomas Kuhn’s “The Structure of Scientific Revolutions”, originally published in 1962. The work is considered by many to be one among the most influential books of the last century, as it reformed the way we think of science. Kuhn, trained as a physicist himself, presents a picture of scientific practice as shifting between periods of “normal science” and “extraordinary science”. In an extraordinary or revolutionary phase, a scientific field goes through a revision, where basic concepts, experimental practices and theories are changed. This view of science contrasts with the previously standard understanding of science as a cumulative enterprise, in which new “truths” are just added onto the stack of “old truths”.

In the weekly online meetings, we will discuss the text in small groups as well as in plenum, guided by tasks and discussion questions.

The course is designed with the aim of developing the ability to understand and critically reflect on a philosophical text. Throughout the course, by working on the specific topic of scientific revolutions, the students will develop their general skills of:

- understanding and analysing a philosophical text;
- posing questions for discussion;
- coming up with research topics;
- constructive discussion;
- planning and writing an essay.

Assessment and permitted materials

- Active participation in the online meetings (the students are expected to turn on their cameras, participate in the discussion, and responding when asked, it is allowed to miss two meetings without justification);
- Preparation for the seminar by thoroughly reading the assigned text and working through any additional materials;
- Preparation of discussion questions based on the text (uploaded by students on Monday);
- Short group presentations, summarizing historically significant events in science and scientific theories (as far as possible);
- Outline of final essay;
- Final essay (about 2500 words)

All tasks will have to be written and presented in English.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Minimum requirements for a passing grade:
- active participation in the online meetings (maximally 2 missed online meetings without justification)
- positive grade for all assignments

Final grade is based on:
- preparation of and uploading discussion questions (20%)
- writing an essay outline (20%)
- presentation (10%)
- essay (50%)

Examination topics

Students are welcome to write an essays on any topic related to „The Structure of Scientific Revolutions“. They are encouraged to come up with their own research question, seek out secondary literature and consult with the lecturer.

Reading list

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Fr 12.05.2023 00:18