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

• 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 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 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 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, individually and together with others

Learning methods and activities

The course consists of digital lectures and short supervision meetings. The lectures present the main lines of the curriculum and provide an overview of the central themes of the course. The supervision meetings concern group-based work on assigned tasks and exercises. The group assignments 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 participation on 80% of the supervision meetings is required.

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 BØKLED-F at NTNU.

Course materials

The curriculum is available on the Blackboard pages of the course.

Credit reductions