Philosophy of Science and theory of knowledge, 10 credits

Introduction to doctoral studies in the social sciences and humanities. The course offers theoretical tools and concepts to understand the relations between different scientific traditions and research methods.

Goal

This course aims at introducing doctoral students at Jönköping University to doctoral studies in the social sciences and humanities. The course offers theoretical tools and concepts to understand the relations between different scientific traditions and research methods. It aims at developing a reflective and respectful attitude towards different traditions and schools, and to develop the participant´s own understanding of his/her view on knowledge.

A further aim is to develop the abilities to understand and critically review a number of important theories and methods in the social sciences and humanities. It further develops the understanding of differences and similarities between theories and methods.

The course consists of two parts and you can choose to take both or just one of them.

Content

Part 1 (5 credits) Philosophical perspectives on research in the social sciences and humanities

The course gives a broad introduction to philosophical issues, problems and theories related to the scientific endeavour. Different theories are put in a historical and sociological context, where the relations between science and society are discussed. The course gives the students good opportunities to reflect upon the philosophical grounds for research in the social sciences. This part consists of the following seminars:

  1. Introduction to the course
  2. What is this thing we call science?
  3. Social constructionism
  4. Post-positivist movements and perspectives. Historical and sociological perspectives
  5. Critical realism
  6. Hermeneutics and related interpretative perspectives
  7. Examination

Required readings
Berger, P. & Luckmann, T. (1991/1967) The Social Construction of Reality. London: Penguin Books.

Danermark, B. et al. (2001) Explaining Society (also available in Swedish). Taylor & Francis.

Kuhn, T.S. (1996) The Structure of Scientific revolutions (also available in Swedish). Chicago: Chicago University Press. Compendium

Part 2 (5 credits) Philosophical and theoretical orientations in different research fields

The content and readings will be announced.

Examination

Each part is examinated with a written and/or oral examination. A number of compulsory assignments are also handed in during the course. The grades are either pass or fail. The participant are also required to actively participate in the 7 seminars.

Language of instruction is English unless there are only Swedish speaking participants. Written assignments can be handed in in Swedish or English.

Course time

The schedule for the course is going to be planned together with the participants at the first meeting (the 30th of November).

Applications

In order to apply to the course you need to be registered as doctoral student at HJ and meet the special requirements for being a doctoral candidate. The application should be sent to karin.karlsson@hlk.hj.se at the latest November the 18th.

Course coordinators

Docent Tomas Müllern, Internationella Handelshögskolan (part 1) Professor Mohamed Chaib, Högskolan för lärande och kommunikation (part 2)

Examinator

Professor Mohamed Chaib is examinator for the course.

2017-10-18