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. By engaging in discussion-based tasks, students develop critical thinking skills. The course also contributes to a critical attitude toward sources, and to the further development of writing skills.

Examen philosophicum for Engineers focuses on understanding of technology as well as topics related to the engineering profession and the role of engineers in society. An important purpose of the course is to improve skills in thinking critically about sustainable development.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

• 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 technology - as theory and practice - in historical and future oriented perspective
• 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 the engineering profession and the role of engineers, as well as ethical problems regarding environment, society and working life

Skills

• Can identify and reflect critically on engineering problems in light of different views of science, technology and ethics
• Can argue independently, to the point and systematically and evaluate sources of information

General competencies

• Can reflect critically on different views of value, science and technology, and relate theses to one’s own profession and to professional practice
• Can identify environmental and ethical challenges related to technological products and solutions
• Can reflect critically on challenges in society related to sustainability in technology
• Can 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 EXPH0650 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 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