Teaching code

4S001388

Credits

6

Coordinator

Massimiliano Badino

Language

Italian

Also offered in courses:

• Semiotics and Philosophy of Science - LOGICA E FILOSOFIA DELLA SCIENZA SC (I) of the course Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies
• Semiotics and Philosophy of Science - LOGICA E FILOSOFIA DELLA SCIENZA SC (I) - Lezione of the course Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies
• Semiotics and Philosophy of Science - LOGICA E FILOSOFIA DELLA SCIENZA SC (I) - Esercitazione of the course Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

M-FIL/02 - LOGIC AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE

Moodle Seminars 0

The teaching is organized as follows:

Learning objectives

Logic and Philosophy of Science
The course of Logic and Philosophy of Science aims to provide students with the knowledge of scientific thought and methodology of scientific research, in the wider context of Western philosophical tradition and its main conceptual lines, in particular within contemporary philosophical debate. At the end of the course, students will develop the following abilities: logical competences, reasoning, and solution to problems; capacity to comprehend philosophical texts; capacity to autonomously shape critical assessments on the topics taught during the course; capacity to communicate philosophical contents to specialists and non-specialists alike, and to continue their studies at a MA level; learning a correct modality of scientific writing and/or writing their dissertation.

Prerequisites and basic notions

A cursory knowledge of some key concepts of philosophy is required

Although we will deal with concepts from logic, math, and computer science, the course does not require any previous knowledge of these disciplines. To facilitate the learning process of the conceptually most demanding sections, video tutorial will be provided.

Program

The course of logic and philosophy of science aims at providing an introduction to the epistemological and metaphysical problem of the philosophical tradition with a specific attention to their influence of the present debate. This year the course focuses on the conceptions of mind from Descartes to artificial intelligence. Beside the epistemological, metaphysical, and ontological issues raised by this problem, we will explore the ethical and social consequences of artifical cognition. The main themes are:


- From the symbolic mind to the emergence of the theory of computation
- The philosophy of mind and the cognitive sciences
- Science and society
- The social, ethical,and political problems of artificial intelligence

The driving questions of the course are:


- How to interpre mind and cognition?
- What is the relation between mind and brain?
- How mind relates with material culture and artifacts?
- What’s the link between human and artificial cognitive agents?
- What are the social, ethical, and political problems generated by the use of algorithms in everyday life?

Didactic methods

The course will be taught using two main teaching methods: (1) lectures, (2) interactive laboratory. Classes will be in person without streaming or recording. Students will find videos dedicated to (1) explaining the exam procedures and (2) developing some parts of the courses and the key concepts. Although these videos are meant to help non-attending students to prepare for the exam, they can be used by attending students as well.

Learning assessment procedures

The final evaluation aims at assessing students’ knowledge as well as their capacity to argue correctly, use properly concepts and tools of philosophy of science and their creativity. The final grade depends on the active participation to the laboratories, the assignment (2000-5000 words) on a relevant topic to be decided with the instructor, a book report (max 3000 words) and a written exam:
- 25% written exam
- 40% assignment (2000-5000 words)
- 35% book report (max 3000 words)

Evaluation criteria

The main assessment criteria are: (1) conceptual competence and (2) linguistic competence. Students will also find an evalutation rubric to help them compose the assignments.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

- 25% written exam
- 40% assignment (2000-5000 words)
- 35% book report (max 3000 words)

Exam language

Italiano