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FASS507 Introduction to the Philosophy of the Social Sciences

Module description

empiricism, positivism and falsificationism
an introduction to post-empiricist philosophy of science, especially Popper, Kuhn, Feyerabend
explanation in the social sciences
the varieties of interpretivist philosophy of social science
the debates surrounding a realist philosophy of science
critical social science
the feminist critique of the objectivity of science
the relevance and application of these debates to a variety of social sciences

Aims and objectives

FASS507 provides an introduction to the philosophy of the social sciences by exploring the following questions:

· What claims to knowledge are made by science?

· Can social science make similar claims to natural science to be a science?

· What other philosophical foundations might social science use to establish its claims to systematic knowledge?

· What are the main different positions in contemporary philosophy of social science? What arguments are used for and against these different positions?

· What relevance does the philosophy of social science have to the practicalities of social research?

· How can it help us think about the role that the social sciences do and should play in society?

By the end of the course students should be able to understand the crucial differences between different philosophical perspectives on the practice of social science, and be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of how their research might constitute a claim to knowledge.

Timing and Location

Term:	Michaelmas
Date(s):	11/10/12 - 12/12/12
Number of sessions:	10 x 2.5 hour sessions
Timing and Location:	Week 1: Thursday, 2.00-4.30, Fylde C34 Weeks 2-9: Wednesdays, 3.00-5.30, George Fox Lecture Theatre 4 Week 10: Monday, 2.30-4.30, Bowland North Seminar Room 17

Additional information

Minimum quota: 6

Maximum quota: 30

Charge to non-FASS departments: £425

Coursework and Assessment

Coursework requirements

1 x 5,000 word paper on the philosophy of the social sciences, related to student's own research discipline and topic.

Coursework due dates

12.00 Noon on Friday week 1 of the Lent Term (18 January 2013)

Downloads

General Handbook

RTP Modules Handbook

Registration Form

Coursework Coversheet

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