Description
This course focuses on the conceptual and methodological problems of writing history of science. The discipline has undergone deep transformations in recent decades: the dominant approach has changed from a presentism that explains past science by reference to the truth to a contextualism that seeks to reconstruct the circumstances of utterances. We will examine this transformation and undertake a systematic discussion of philosophical issues involved.
Teaching method
Seminar
Admission requirements
A BA in Philosophy or another relevant subject.
Course objectives
Course objectives will be made available on Blackboard at the start of the course.
Required reading
Reading material will be made available on Blackboard during the course.
Test method
Class presentations (20%)
Final paper (80%)
Time table
See: Timetable MA Philosophy
Information
dr. J.W. McAllister ( j.w.mcallister@phil.leidenuniv.nl)
Registration
Please register for this course on U-twist. See registration procedure
Blackboard
Blackboard will be used for:
Making available the lecturer’s overhead presentations
Making available the reading material
Remarks
Specialisation: Theoretical Philosophy