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 Medicine and Health Sciences cultivates a critical attitude to professional practice and different views of basic concepts within the health professions, such as health and disease. Introduction to ethical analysis and argumentation teaches students to identify and discuss ethical problems and issues related to societal challenges, technological development, and one's own disciplinary or professional practice.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate has

• familiarity with basic theories of knowledge, and with what distinguishes scientific knowledge from other forms of knowledge
• knowledge of basic topics within theory of science and methodological questions within medical and health sciences
• knowledge of distinctions between different types of sciences
• 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 development and use of technology, and to practicing ones own discipline or profession
• knowledge of basic ethical principles in professional practice, treatment and research within medical and health sciences

Skills

The candidate can

• discuss problems and issues in light of different views of knowledge, science, ethics, and politics
• reflect critically on different conceptions of value and humanity, and relate this to one's own discipline and professional practice
• identify and discuss ethical challenges related to medical science and health professions
• 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
• contribute to good and reflective cooperation
• write academic texts

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 assignment are compulsory, and must be approved in order to take the exam.

Compulsory assignments: In order to take the exam, approval of compulsory assignments and 80% participation on seminars is required.

If all compulsory assignments have been approved in EXPH0400 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 activity

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to specific study programmes 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