Description
What is the nature of our social reality? Are social facts radically different from the facts that are the topic of the natural sciences? Hoe should we understand these? Is the best explanation of social phenomena an individualist one or should such an explanation invoke supra-individual structures? Can the social sciences generate predictions? Are there laws in the social sciences in the same way as there are laws in the natural sciences? What motivates social agents? These and related questions are the main focus of this course.
Timetable
See Timetables Philosophy
Method of instruction
Depending on the number of enrolments this course will be offered either as a full seminar or as a series of individual tutorial sessions.
Examination
Final research paper
Required reading
Hollis, Martin. 1994. The Philosophy of Social Science: An Introduction. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Further literature will be made available.
Admission requirements
Admission to this course is restricted to MA students in Philosophy of a Specific Discipline, specialisation Philosophy of Social Science.
Information at
dr. B.J.E. Verbeek ( b.verbeek@phil.leidenuniv.nl)
Remarks
Compulsory course for MA students in Philosophy of a Specific Discipline, specialisation Philosophy of Social Science.
Registration
Please register for this course with the student administration: y.van.eijk@phil.leidenuniv.nl