Universität Wien
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180022 VO Introduction to Philosophy of Science (2026S)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Moodle
Th 19.03. 09:45-11:15 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02

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Details

Language: German

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

As a rule, lectures are on site. Individual lectures may be moved to digital.

The lecture course will be accompanied by a weekly tutorial. Time and place will be announced here shortly.

  • Thursday 26.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 16.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 23.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 30.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 07.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 21.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 28.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 11.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02
  • Thursday 18.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Hörsaal B UniCampus Hof 2 2C-EG-02

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This lecture course provides an introduction to topics of the philosophy of science. Emphasis will be put on topics of what in German is called 'Wissenschaftstheorie', i.e. the focus will tend to be on theories, methodologies, models, explanations, and logical relations, rather than on agents, institutions, practice, and contexts.

Topics and tentative schedule:
Philosophy of science and its methods (week 1-2)
The analytic tool box of philosophy of science (week 3)
The problem of induction and scientific progress (week 4-6)
The reconstruction of scientific theories (week 7-9)
Further selected topics of philosophy of science (underdetermination, explanation, values in science, pluralism) (week 10-12)

Assessment and permitted materials

The examination takes place in writing on site. Dictionaries are the only permitted aids. Three questions are asked. The answers to all three questions will be assessed. Answers should typically be given as a coherent text consisting mostly of complete sentences, not just keywords.
Answering the questions to a large extent involves the reproduction of the knowledge imparted, but also its independent application, contextualization, and evaluation on the part of the students.
An additional fourth question regarding themes beyond the core content of the lecture allows bonus points to be collected.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Minimal requirements: Students have to demonstrate a basic grasp of the problems, concepts, ideas, theories, and arguments of the course.

Standards of assessment: The quality of answers will be evaluated on the basis of correctness, consistency, completeness, scope, clarity of argument, logical reasoning, and precision. Excellent to outstanding answers go beyond systematic and diligent reproduction of imparted knowledge, but in addition evaluate, criticize, qualify, or extend upon it, or apply in in new contexts.

For the three questions, a total of 21 points can be scored. The bonus question allows for up to 7 additional points. Grades are awarded on the following basis:
below 10,5 points: ‘negative’ (5)
10,5 to 13,49 points: ‘sufficient’ (4)
13,5 to 15,99 points: ‘satisfactory’ (3)
16 to 18,49 points: ‘good’ (2)
18,5 to 21 points: ‘excellent’ (1)

Examination topics

Contents of the course including accompanying texts. Additional background readings can be helpful for addressing the exam questions. However, even very good answers do not necessarily require recourse to background readings.

Reading list

Accompanying texts and background readings will be recommended and almost fully provided via Moodle. A central role in the lecture is played by:
Schurz, Gerhard (2006/2014). Einführung in die Wissenschaftstheorie. wbg.
[which is very similar to: Schurz, Gerhard (2014). Philosophy of Science. A Unified Approach. Routledge.]

Other recommended readings for an introduction to the philosophy of science:
Balzer, Wolfgang & Brendel, Karl (2019). Theorie der Wissenschaften. Springer.
Carnap, Rudolf (1974). An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. Basic Books.
Halvorson, Hans (2019). The Logic in Philosophy of Science. Cambridge University Press.
Hoyningen-Huene, Paul (2013). Systematicity - The Nature of Science. Oxford University Press.
Ladyman, James (2002). Understanding Philosophy of Science. Routledge.
Mantzavinos, Chrysostomos (2024). The Constitution of Science. Cambridge University Press.
Okasha, Samir (2002). Philosophy of Science. A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
Przelecki, Marian (1969). The Logic of Empirical Theories. Routledge.
Psillos, Stathis (2005). Scientific Realism. How Science Tracks Truth. Routledge.
Salmon, Wesley et al. (1992/1999). Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. Hackett.
Stegmüller, Wolfgang (1969-1986). Probleme und Resultate der Wissenschaftstheorie und Analytischen Philosophie (4 Bände).
Veigl, Sophie & Currie, Adrian (2025). Methods in the Philosophy of Science. A User's Guide. The MIT Press.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: We 04.02.2026 18:06