Epistemology of Social and Human Sciences
Presentation
This Curricular Unit involves general epistemology as well as the epistemology of science and of the social sciences in particular. Its main aim is to challenge students to reflect on the validity of the scientific paradigms and approaches of the social sciences in general and psychology in particular, so that they become able both to choose scientifically valid approaches in research and to make choices informed by scientific validity in their future psychological practice.
Part of this Programme
Psychology
Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS
| Semestral | 5
Year | Type of course unit | Language
3 |Mandatory |Português
Code
ULHT35-15406
Recommended complementary curricular units
General Psychology Contemporary Thought and Portuguese Culture Research Methods
Prerequisites and co-requisites
n/a
Professional Internship
Não
Syllabus
1. Epistemological currents, questions, and definitions 1.1. Definition and types of knowledge 1.2. Epistemology from Antiquity to Modern Age 2. Logic and structure of scientific knowledge 2.1. Epistemological Rupture and Epistemological Obstacle (Bachelard) 2.2. The structure of science (Kuhn) 2.3. The limits of the formalization of scientific language (Wittgenstein) 3. The epistemology of the social sciences 3.1. Quarrel of the Method (Dilthey) 3.2. Overcoming the Quarrel of the Method: the communicational paradigm (Habermas) 3.3. Sociological Mediation (Weber, Merton, Bourdieu) 3.4. The Laboratory (Latour, Knorr-Cetina)
Objectives
- To understand and assess the tensions between scientific and common-sense knowledge - To understand the historical evolution of epistemology in its relations with Faith, Reason, and Science - To understand the role of theory and data in the construction of knowledge - To understand the main epistemological positions of science in general and of the social sciences in particular - To acquire the capacity to critically evaluate the validity of the paradigms and approaches in the social sciences - To understand the practical challenges to epistemological validity in current sciences - To develop skills related to reporting and debating over contemporaneity in science
Teaching methodologies and assessment
Classes are theoretical, combining lecture with active participation of students, who are challenged to question and debate the issues raised by epistemology, and group exercises with presentations based on reading and analysis of texts. Continuous assessment is based on a written test with bibliographical support (40%) a critical review in groups of 3 students (2000 words) of one of the recommended readings (35%); and its oral presentation with individual assessment of contributions (25%). Class attendance is mandatory. Failing continuous assessment, students have recourse to a written exam (100%) on the full contents of the syllabus. Students must achieve a minimal final grade of 10 to pass.
References
Bachelard, G. (1976 [1940]), A filosofia do não. Filosofia do novo espírito científico. Lisboa: Editorial Presença (Cota: F239-BC Kuhn, T. (2012 [1962]) The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press (HC/97-BC) Habermas, J. (1993 [1968]). Técnica e Ciência como Ideologia. Lisboa Edições 70 (cota: F/163-BC) Knorr-Cetina, K. (1999), Epistemic Cultures. How the Sciences Make Knowledge. Cambridge & London: Harvard University Press Nota: todas as cotas da Biblioteca Vítor de Sá
Office Hours
O atendimento aos alunos é feito no fim de cada sessão - questões particulares mediante marcação.