What makes the life and health sciences different from other sciences? Where does their authority come from? How do these scientists construct knowledge and integrate it across disciplines? How do different kinds of values affect this knowledge? Can these sciences be objective and do they actually describe true phenomena or reality? What are the roles that they play in our society and should these fields be more “open” or democratic?
During the course of the semester, publications focusing on current or enduring debates on history and philosophy of the life and health sciences will be read and discussed. The topics of the course are organized in thematic blocks on (a) demarcation and allocation of authority, (b) the historical turn on the life sciences, (c) realism/pragmatism and conceptual change, and (d) science as a social product/process. By employing the tools provided by history and philosophy, we will not only approach these questions, but also reflect critically on the potential and limitations of science and philosophy themselves.
To pass the course, students must actively take part in the discussions during class and conduct a presentation or alternative examination. No particular knowledge of the life and health sciences is required.
Introductory reading material
Odenbaugh, Jay and Paul Griffiths, "Philosophy of Biology", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2024 Edition), Edward N. Zalta & Uri Nodelman (eds.) https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/biology-philosophy/
Reiss, Julian and Rachel A. Ankeny, "Philosophy of Medicine", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2025 Edition), Edward N. Zalta & Uri Nodelman (eds.) https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/medicine/
- Kursleiter/in: Maria Alejandra Petino Zappala