Philosophy and Science

(2.5-4 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

The purpose of the course is to offer a historical and epistemological overview of empirical science, in order to better understand its nature and value, and the relationship between scientific knowledge, philosophy and theology. The first part of the course will present some highlights on the history of science, in its cultural and philosophical context, that will help to grasp the key elements of the nature of scientific activity. The second part will consider the method and the value of scientific knowledge, analysing the main interpretations proposed by some contemporary philosophers. The course will close with the study of the relations between scientific and philosophical knowledge, reflecting also on some historical conflicts between science, philosophy and religion.