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Philosophy of Social Sciences: Methodological Questions

Vak
2011-2012

Admission requirements

Description

What is the nature of our social reality? Are social facts radically different from the facts that are the topic of the natural sciences? Hoe should we understand these? Is the best explanation of social phenomena an individualist one or should such an explanation invoke supra-individual structures? Can the social sciences generate predictions? Are there laws in the social sciences in the same way as there are laws in the natural sciences? What motivates social agents? These and related questions are the main focus of this course.

Course objectives

Course objectives will be posted on Blackboard by the start of the course.

Timetable

Tuesday, 15:00-18:00

See Collegeroosters Wijsbegeerte 2011-2012 , Master’s Programmmes in Philosophy (Dutch website)
See “Timetables Philosophy 2011-2012”:http://www.hum.leiden.edu/philosophy/students/prospectus/timetables.html , Master’s Programmmes in Philosophy (English website)

Mode of instruction

Seminar

Assessment method

  • Preparation, attendance and active class participation.

  • Two essays: one short on a prescribed topic (25%); one long research paper (75%).

Blackboard

Yes

Reading list

All materials will be made available through Blackboard.

Registration

Please register for this course on uSis.

Study Abroad students, please see the Study in Leiden website for information on how to apply.

Contact information

Dr. B.J.E. Verbeek

Remarks

Compulsulsory course for students in specialisation Philosophy of Political Science of the the master’s programme Philosophy of a Specific Discipline.

Specialisation MA in Philosophy: Ethics and Politics