58吃瓜

PY4680 Science and Society

Academic year

2026 to 2027 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

To be confirmed

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr A M L Murphy

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Alice Murphy; Dr Jade Fletcher

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module examines the complex relations between scientific inquiry and social, ethical, and political values. By drawing on contemporary philosophy of science and social epistemology, 鈥淪cience and Society鈥� challenges the image of science as a value-free enterprise in which scientists stick to the 鈥渃old, hard facts鈥�, and instead explores how scientific research is deeply embedded in social contexts and shapes social life and public policy. Topics may include inductive risk and ethical responsibility, power and funding in science, theories of objectivity and situated knowledge, expertise, trust and science scepticism, ideology and social construction, and feminist critiques of science.

Assessment pattern

Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework = 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

1 lecture (2hrs x10 weeks), 1 tutorial (x10 weeks)

Intended learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate understanding of major philosophical critiques of the value-free ideal
  • Explain how social values influence scientific research and practice at various stages of inquiry
  • Critically engage with various competing accounts of the legitimacy of value-influence in science
  • Apply philosophical concepts and arguments to various case studies from science
  • Understand different theories of scientific objectivity
  • Construct coherent, well-supported philosophical arguments surrounding issues in Science and Society with clarity and precision, displaying independent thought and deep engagement with key perspectives