Philosophy

Scientific Realism and the Limits of Science. The course aims to recollect some of the central themes of general philosophy of science and to provide the fundamental coordinates of its historical development as a discipline. In addition, the course aims to illustrate in particular the debate between scientific realists and anti-realists, which is the central debate within the discipline. Traditional arguments for and against realism and anti-realism will be analyzed in detail, as will some of the most recent proposals put forward in this debate. Some of the ramifications of the debate between realists and anti-realists in the philosophies of different scientific disciplines will also be examined. Finally, the course will focus on reading and analyzing Nicholas Rescher’s volume "The Limits of Science".

A knowledge corresponding to the level of the bachelor’s degree in philosophy is required.

1. Campaner, R., Gabbani, C. (a cura di) (2023). Realismo e antirealismo nelle scienze: Un percorso multidisciplinare. Roma, Carocci (capp. 1, 2, 4, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20). 2. Gabbani, C. (2018). Realismo e antirealismo scientifico: Un’introduzione. Pisa, Edizioni ETS. 3. Godfrey-Smith, P. (2022). Teoria e realtà: Introduzione alla filosofia della scienza. Milano, Raffaello Cortina Editore. 4. Rescher, N. (1990). I limiti della scienza. Roma, Armando Editore.

Attending the course is highly recommended.

The evaluation consists of an oral examination. The following will be assessed: 1. knowledge and understanding of the texts covered by the course, from their most general aspects to their details; in particular, the students' ability to confront a philosophical text and to critically analyse specific aspects of it will be assessed (evaluation points 1-15). 2. The students' ability to express themselves and to master the vocabulary (evaluation points 1-10). 3. The students' ability to analyze and discuss arguments (evaluation points 1-5).

Reading guides and introductions to the thought and specific works of the authors covered by the course.

Lectures with reconstruction of the context and reading, analysis and commentary of the texts. Seminar discussion of the topics covered.

Scientific Realism and the Limits of Science. The course aims to recollect some of the central themes of general philosophy of science and to provide the fundamental coordinates of its historical development as a discipline. In addition, the course aims to illustrate in particular the debate between scientific realists and anti-realists, which is the central debate within the discipline. Traditional arguments for and against realism and anti-realism will be analyzed in detail, as will some of the most recent proposals put forward in this debate. Some of the ramifications of the debate between realists and anti-realists in the philosophies of different scientific disciplines will also be examined. Finally, the course will focus on reading and analyzing Nicholas Rescher’s volume "The Limits of Science".

A knowledge corresponding to the level of the bachelor’s degree in philosophy is required.

1. Campaner, R., Gabbani, C. (a cura di) (2023). Realismo e antirealismo nelle scienze: Un percorso multidisciplinare. Roma, Carocci (capp. 1, 2, 4, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20). 2. Gabbani, C. (2018). Realismo e antirealismo scientifico: Un’introduzione. Pisa, Edizioni ETS. 3. Godfrey-Smith, P. (2022). Teoria e realtà: Introduzione alla filosofia della scienza. Milano, Raffaello Cortina Editore. 4. Rescher, N. (1990). I limiti della scienza. Roma, Armando Editore.

Attending the course is highly recommended.

The evaluation consists of an oral examination. The following will be assessed: 1. knowledge and understanding of the texts covered by the course, from their most general aspects to their details; in particular, the students' ability to confront a philosophical text and to critically analyse specific aspects of it will be assessed (evaluation points 1-15). 2. The students' ability to express themselves and to master the vocabulary (evaluation points 1-10). 3. The students' ability to analyze and discuss arguments (evaluation points 1-5).

Reading guides and introductions to the thought and specific works of the authors covered by the course.

Lectures with reconstruction of the context and reading, analysis and commentary of the texts. Seminar discussion of the topics covered.