ARTS-L0112 - Philosophy of Science D, Lecture, 17.1.2023-4.4.2023

This essay assignment covers the topics of Tuomas’ lectures (paradigms, natural kinds and scientific explanation). Write an essay (1-2 pages, use references) by reflecting on one or more of the following questions. In addition to the lectures, you can employ other resources. The aim is to help you understand the philosophical foundations of your own research. The deadline is the 2nd of May (giving you two weeks after my last lecture on the 18th of April).

1.     Are there paradigms in your discipline? Does your research lean on a certain paradigm in your discipline? How does it influence your research (e.g. research methods, theories, “puzzles” you try to solve), and if so, could you make the influence more explicit (e.g. in your introduction)?

2.     Do you rely on classifications or groupings in your research?  What is the nature of the targeted classificatory objects (e.g. artificial, social, or natural kinds) and how does it influence your work? Could there be looping effects involved?

3.     How does your research produce understanding? What, if anything, differentiates it from mere description and makes it explanatory?