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 Economics focuses on philosophical issues related to freedom, rationality, and responsibility. Students will have to reflect critically on economics as a discipline along three dimensions: value, behavior, and institution. Along the value dimension concepts such as utility, welfare, and freedom are discussed in light of different ethical theories. Rationality, optimization, and norms are important topics along the behavioral dimension, while the institutional dimension treats property right, market, and economic organization.

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 economics
• 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 economics
• knowledge of different perspectives along the dimensions value, behavior and institution

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 one’s own discipline or profession
• argue independently, to the point and systematically about topics treated in the course, based on principles for critically evaluating sources

General competencies

The candidate can

• relate to and apply scientific knowledge critically and constructively
• reflect on the societal role of the sciences
• express oneself with precision, structure, and sound reasoning

Learning methods and activities

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

Compulsory assignments: 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 Canvas 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 EXPH0550 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 Canvas 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 BØKLED-F at NTNU.

Course materials

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

Credit reductions