Course content

Examen philosophicum is an introduction to the intellectual culture of the university, and provides philosophical perspectives on science and scientific practice. The course focuses on theories of knowledge and science, ethics and political theory. Different views of nature, of man and of technology are discussed, in addition to questions concerning how we should act as individuals and as societies. Critical thinking and argumentation are emphasized through dialogue- and discussion-based teaching.
The variant of examen philosophicum for technology and science focuses on ethical questions related to science and technology, as well as the social role of science and technology.

Learning outcome

Knowledge
- The candidate is familiar with and understands arguments related to theories of knowledge, and with what distinguishes scientific knowledge from other forms of knowledge.
- The candidate has knowledge of different views of nature, and of the relation between man and nature.
- The candidate has knowledge of theories of normative ethics and of meta-ethics, including arguments for and against the different theories.
- The candidate has knowledge of different views on the relation between individual and community, and the organization of society.
- The candidate has knowledge about ethical and societal questions related to science and the evolution of technology.

Skills
- The candidate can reflect critically on scientific, ethical and political argumentation.
- The candidate can reflect on present-day discussions in light of their knowledge of different theories of knowledge and science, ethics and politics.
- The candidate can structure and present themes covered in the course in an independent way.

General competencies
- The candidate can reflect critically on his or her own field of study and the societal role of the sciences generally.
- The candidate can reflect critically on different conceptions of value and humanity.
- The candidate can contribute to problem solving in cooperation with others.

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of lectures and seminars. The lectures present the main lines of the curriculum and provide an overview of the central themes of the course. The seminars are group-based work on assigned tasks and exercises under supervision. The group assignments are compulsory, and must be approved in order to take the exam.
In addition to lectures and seminars, digital learning resources such as short videos and multiple-choice tests are available in Blackboard. The multiple-choice tests are compulsory and performed individually.

Compulsory assignments;
in order to take the exam, approval of multiple-choice tests and 80% participation on seminars is required.

Compulsory assignments

• 80% deltagelse på seminar
• Godkjenning av flervalgstester

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to specific study programmes at NTNU.

Course materials

The curriculum is available at www.ntnu.no/exphil

Credit reductions