Philosophy of Engineering, Science and Design

Course contents:

(1) The goals of science; the character and scope of scientific claims.

(2) The goals of engineering design; the nature of technical artefacts; the value-neutrality of technology.

(3) The scientific method and the validation of scientific claims.

(4) Methods of engineering design; the character and scope of design claims; the decision-making aspect of design.

(5) The development of science; the objectivity of science; the notion of scientific progress.

(6) The development of technology; social determinism and technical determinism.

(7) The place and role of values in science and in engineering design.

The final grade is calculated as follows:

• 25% are the participation in seminars. The minimum grade for the seminars must be 5.76, as calculated by averaging the grades for the separate assignments.

• 25% is the group chairing. The minimum grade for the essay must be 5.76, as calculated by averaging the grades for the separate sections.

• 50% is the final exam. The minimum grade for the exam must be 5.76, as calculated by averaging the grades for the separate exam questions.

In the expectation that no restrictions will be in place while the course is being offered, the exam will be a closed-book on-campus exam, which may be either hand-written or digital (ANS). Which of the two will be announced at the start of the course.