Universität Wien

180086 SE Philosophy of Biology (2024W)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 18 - Philosophie
Continuous assessment of course work
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. 25 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

ACHTUNG! Am 16.01.2025 13.15 bis 14.45 Uhr findet die Lehrveranstaltung ausnahmsweise im Zimmer von Prof. Waibel Zimmernummer A 0324, 3. Stock im NIG, Universitätsstrasse 7, 1010 Wien statt.

  • Thursday 17.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Thursday 24.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Thursday 31.10. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Thursday 07.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Thursday 14.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Thursday 21.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Thursday 28.11. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Thursday 05.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Thursday 12.12. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Thursday 09.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Thursday 23.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228
  • Thursday 30.01. 13:15 - 14:45 Hörsaal 2i NIG 2.Stock C0228

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The course acts as a broad introduction to the various issues in contemporary philosophy of biological science. Topics include explanation in the life sciences (laws, models, mechanisms), the nature of evolutionary theory, reductionism & biological functions, evolutionary contingency and the biological basis of mind and social behaviour. The philosophical topics are approached from a pragmatic and scientifically-informed perspective and the readings are accompanied by philosophical and scientific journal articles and other resources.

Having taken the course the students should be able to navigate the conceptual landscape of contemporary philosophy of biology. Besides being able to take part in philosophical argumentation, the students will also learn about the naturalistic approach to philosophy of science, where conceptual philosophical work is developed in close connection to actual scientific practices and results.

Methods include close reading and critical discussion of the literature (concepts, themes, arguments), written reflections of the articles, (co-)chairing the group discussion, and a short presentation of an article of interest.

Assessment and permitted materials

Assessment is based on attendance (max 2 absences), class activity and assignments (co-charing + final essay).

By registering for this course, you agree that the automated plagiarism checking software Turnitin will check all written submissions made by you in Moodle.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

1. Class activity (25%)
2. Moodle discussion & session co-chairing (25%)
3. Final essay (50%)

Examination topics

The student should produce an argumentative final essay that can cover any of the course topics. The choice of topic is done together with the course instructor before the end of the regular seminar meetings.

Reading list

Godfrey-Smith, Peter. (2014). Philosophy of Biology. Princeton University Press.

The full list of accompanying readings will be given at the first meeting. All the readings will be provided by the instructor.

Association in the course directory

Last modified: We 11.12.2024 13:46