Course content

The course is an introduction to issues within theory of knowledge and science, ethics, and political philosophy. Different views of nature, humanity, and technology are discussed, in addition to questions concerning the relation between individual and society. The course provides knowledge of perspectives on science and contributes to a reflective relation to scientific practice and application of scientific knowledge. Dialogue- and discussion-based teaching cultivates critical thinking, and promotes skills in argumentation and cooperation. The course also contributes to a critical attitude toward sources, and to the further development of writing skills.

Examen philosophicum for Science and Technology focuses on topics of special relevance to mathematical-scientific disciplines and technology, particularly sustainability. An important purpose of the course is to improve skills in thinking critically about sustainable development.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate has

• knowledge of analysis and assessment of argumentation, as well as central concepts from argumentation theory
• familiarity with basic theories of knowledge, and with what distinguishes scientific knowledge from other forms of knowledge
• knowledge of chosen topics within theory of science of special relevance to mathematical-scientific disciplines and technology
• knowledge of sustainability as a condition for a good society today and in the future, as well as the role of science and technology in this connection
• knowledge of different theories and views of humanity, culture, and nature
• knowledge of different views of the relation between individual and community, and the structuring of society
• knowledge of main types of ethical thinking
• knowledge of ethical and societal issues related to natural scientific research and technology development, including topics within research ethics and research politics

Skills

Tha candidate can

• identify and discuss problems and issues related to one´s own discipline or profession in light of different views of knowledge, science, ethics, and politics
• reflect critically on sustainability as a complex challenge for society and dilemmas that come along with sustainable development
• argue independently, to the point and systematically regarding topics treated in the course

General competencies

The candidate can

• relate to and apply scientific knowledge critically and constructively
• reflect on the societal role of the sciences
• write academic texts

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of digital lectures and feedback on compulsory submissions.

Compulsory assignments/activities: In order to be eligible to sit for the exam, approval of up to 8 individual activities is required, e.g. multiple choice tests, long answer and short answer assignments. See Blackboard for further information.

All compulsory activity must be approved in one and the same semester. It is not possible to carry over parts of compulsory activity to a new semester.

If all compulsory assignments have been approved in EXPH0350 a previous semester, it can be approved by the department.

Note that NTNU has several different variants of exphil. It is not possible to take the exam in a variant/subject code other than the one in which the compulsory assignments have been approved.

See the Blackboard pages of the course for details about compulsory assignments.

Compulsory assignments

• Obligatory activities

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to ITBAINFO or FTTRADBYGG at NTNU.

Course materials

The curriculum is available on examen philosophicum's web page (http://www.ntnu.no/exphil) and the Blackboard pages of the course.

Credit reductions