Universität Wien

180057 SE Theory confirmation (2012S)

Why and in which way do scientists trust their theories?

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

Achtung!!! Nur am 08.06.2012 findet die Lehrveranstaltung im HS 3 E 10.30-12.00 Uhr statt!!!

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: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Friday 02.03. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 09.03. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 16.03. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 23.03. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 30.03. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 20.04. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 27.04. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 04.05. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 11.05. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 18.05. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 25.05. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 01.06. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 08.06. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3E NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 15.06. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 22.06. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock
  • Friday 29.06. 10:30 - 12:00 Hörsaal 3F NIG 3.Stock

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The Seminar addresses a core question of the philosophy of science: what is theory confirmation? First, we will discuss some classical ideas and positions: Duhem’s argument against the existence of an experimentum cruxis, the logical empiricist concept of theory confirmation, Poppers falsificationism and Quine’s holism. We then will look at some specific debates which are of importance in contemporary philosophy of science. Bayesianism deals with the question in how far a probabilistic understanding of theory confirmation can do justice to the scientific process. The novel confirmation debate asks whether empirical data that has entered the process of theory construction has less confirmation value than confirming data that has not influenced theory construction. Finally, we will address the question what role non-empirical arguments can play for theory confirmation.

Assessment and permitted materials

Grades will be based on the presentation, discussion and the seminar paper.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Examination topics

The texts to be read will mostly be in English. One or two participants will briefly (about 20 min.) present one of the texts, followed by a discussion. Each participant writes a seminar paper on one of the discussed topics at the end of the term.

Reading list

Texte werden gelesen von Pierre Duhem, Rudolf Carnap, Karl Popper, Willard V. Quine, Imre Lakatos, Patrick Maher, Elliott Sober, John Worrall, John Norton, P. Urbach, Thomas S. Kuhn und Larry Laudan.

Association in the course directory

BA M 15, BA M 11, PP § 57.3.3, PP § 57.3.7, HPS M4

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:36