PP3WSW-Wittgenstein, Science and Worldviews

Module Provider: Philosophy
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof John Preston
Email: j.m.preston@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module covers the ways in which Ludwig Wittgenstein was influenced by the natural sciences of his time, and the remarks he made about natural science and worldviews from his Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus (1921) to his one of his last works, On Certainty (1949-51). (Note that Part 3 modules in the Department of Philosophy are driven by student interest: the University will not allow us to run any that do not enrol enough students (the minimum number is 12)).

Aims:

The programme of study in Philosophy is specifically designed to introduce you to progressive intellectual challenges and to consolidate your previous experience at each new level. This module fits into our graduated, supervised programme for developing independent-learning skills. It builds upon our Part 2 epistemology and history of philosophy modules. While not presupposing any background in science, it introduces students to basic issues in the history and philosophy of science. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, you will be able to sketch and relate to one another the philosophies of science from the early 20th century, including those of leading philosopher-physicists (Mach, Hertz, Boltzmann, Einstein Poincaré), and Wittgenstein himself.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

Themes covered include the philosopher-physicists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, disputes over the interpretation of scientific theories (realism vs. anti-realism), causation, induction, explanation, the unity of science, scientific knowledge, scientific change and the rationality of science, and the idea of a worldview, especially that of a scientific worldview.

Global context:

Students will learn about the major scientific worldviews of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and how their proponents disputed with one another about their status and prospects. They will also learn about important aspects of the thought of the 20th century’s most important philosophers, Ludwig Wittgenstein. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is taught by lectures and seminars. Students are expected to attend 10 hours of lectures and 5 hours of seminars during the term in which the module’s lecture and seminar classes take place. All students are required to write a single essay from a list of questions supplied by the module convenor. The essay assignment will be due in the last week of term. In addition, students will be required to write a short précis of the topic for discussion in each seminar class. S tudents are encouraged to be active in all classes, asking questions and trying to answer the questions posed by others. A reading list will be posted on the module’s BlackBoard site at the start of the course.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		10
Seminars		5
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		25
Advance preparation for classes		10
Preparation for seminars		10
Completion of formative assessment tasks		5
Essay preparation		30
Reflection		5
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One written assignment, of 2500-3000 words, due in week 11 of the term in which the module is taught.

Formative assessment methods:

Students will write a short précis of the topic for discussion for every seminar class, and are expected to contribute fully to the in-class discussion in every seminar class. 

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall. 

Reassessment arrangements:

One written assignment, to be completed in August/September.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 September 2021