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This module aims to describe the nature of scientific explanation and how it might be the same as or differ from religious belief.

This module will address some of the following questions: what is the nature of scientific explanation? Are the basis of scientific theories facts about the world, or do the theories themselves determine how we understand these facts?  Can there be an objective scientific explanation of reality and if not, can we distinguish science from belief? It will do so by examining some of the classic authors and movements in the philosophy of science, such as positivism, falsification, Popper, Feyerabend and Kuhn. Students will also examine a key text in the philosophy of science in depth.

A student passing this module should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the philosophy of science and its relation to belief.
2. Identify the theoretical frameworks underlying the different positions within the philosophy of science and analyse their strengths and weaknesses.
3. Abstract, analyse and construct an argument that engages with the philosophy of science and belief.
4. Support their arguments by variety of peer reviewed sources and evidence. Use a range of ICT skills in order to gather, evaluate and synthesise different types of information.
5. Present their work in an academic professional manner.

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.