Official course description:

Basic info last published 7/11-18
Course info
Language:
English
ECTS points:
7.5
Course code:
2012003U
Offered to guest students:
-
Offered to exchange students:
Offered as a single subject:
-
Programme
Level:
Bachelor
Programme:
Bachelor in Global Business Informatics
Staff
Course semester
Semester
Forår 2019
Start
28 January 2019
End
31 May 2019
Exam
Abstract

The objective of the course is to provide a set of coherent concepts for critical evaluation of the theoretical and methodological basis of research traditions in the information sciences. The course introduces students to important philosophical and historical perspectives on science and technology, as well as to more general epistemological and reflexive issues relating to natural and social science disciplines.

Description

Being able to critically evaluate the theoretical and methodological basis of research traditions in the information sciences is important for the appreciation of the philosophical and historical background for contemporary science and technology debates.

After the course the student should be able to: 

  • Identify and account for key positions in the Philosophy of Science 
  • Account for relevant theoretical perspectives on technology with a particular emphasis on the interactions between IT, the general BA subject area and the broader context. 
  • Identify and analyze a problem of interest that touches upon the relationships between IT and its context (may it be of political, ethical, philosophical, historical or societal nature). 
  • Present relevant concepts from the curriculum accurately, and critically use these concepts in an investigation of the select problem

Philosophy of science and technology provides a basic introduction to scientific methods and introduces central philosophical perspectives on science, epistemology and technology. The literature introduces students to paradigms such as positivism, phenomenology and social constructivism, as well as to contemporary sociotechnical approaches to science and technology. It also introduces central concepts in scientific methodology, including deductivism, inductivism and falsification. Finally, it encourages students to reflect on the interrelationships between science, technology and society.

The course especially emphasizes topics that relate to information sciences and information technologies, including questions about how humans, technologies and knowledge are assumed to operate in the information and social sciences.

Formal prerequisites
This course is part of the 4th semester of the bachelor's degree Global Business Informatics.
Intended learning outcomes

After the course, the student should be able to:

  • Identify and account for key, select positions in the Philosophy of Science
  • Account for relevant theoretical perspectives on technology with a particular emphasis on the interactions between IT, the general BA subject area and the broader context
  • Identify and analyse a problem of interest that touches upon the relationships between IT and its context (may it be of political, ethical, philosophical, historical or societal nature)
  • Present relevant concepts from the curriculum accurately, and critically use these concepts in an investigation of the select problem