Participants from Nord university are prioritized.

Costs: No costs except litterature and materials.

Course evaluation: Annual evaluations which are included in the university's quality assurance system 

Course contents: 
The course provides doctoral students opportunities to become familiar with different perspectives in  philosophy of science and research ethics with general relevance for social sciences and economics. The debates about the nature of scientific methods, theories of confirmation, the demarcation of science from non-science, evolutionary and revolutionary theories of scientific development. The connection between multi-disciplinarity, inter-disciplinarity and trans-disciplinarity will be discussed and illustrated. The ideas behind scientific realism and narrative research methodology are discussed. The course will pay special attention on the philosophical and methodological preconditions in the research projects of the participants.

Knowledge

• The candidate can evaluate and applicate central terms and theories within philosophy of science and research ethics in research and development projects. 

Skills

• The candidate can formulate problems, plan and carry out complex research projects based on knowledge within philosophy of science and research ethics. 

• The candidate can handle philosophical and ethical challenges in their own research projects based on well-founded arguments. 

General competence

• The candidate can apply their knowledge of the subject to contemporary debates about science policy and understand the terminology and concepts presupposed by advanced literature in the area.

• The candidate can manage complex interdisciplinary assignments and projects

Especially recommended elective courses: N/A

Offered as a free-standing course: Yes

Prerequisites: Requires that the student is qualified for admission to PhD-programs.

Recommended previous knowledge: Master of Science degree.

Mode of delivery: Face-to-face. Each gathering will start at 11.30 (day 15) the first day and end at the latest 15.00 the last day (day 3). Detailed program will be available after the application deadline.

Learning activities and teaching methods: Learning methods will consist of a combination of lecture and seminars / workshops. A high degree of student participation is required. Lectures are used to review theory, discuss assignments and any questions related to these. 

Assessment methods and criteria: A written course paper 

Work placement:  N/A

Recommended or required reading: 
Oliver, Paul (2010): The Student's Guide to Research Ethics (Open Up Study Skills), McGraw-Hill

James Ladyman (2002): Understatnding Philosophy of Science, 

Jakobsen, Ove (2018): Readings in Philosophy of science and research ethics, Nord university 

Faculty:
Professor Anders LIndseth (Nord university)
Professor Johans Sandvin (Nord university)
Professor Ove Jakobsen (Nord university) (Course manager)
Associate professor Are S. Ingulfsvann (Nord university)
Associate professor Vivi M. L. Storsletten (Nord university)
Professor Roger Strand (UiB)