PHIL20620 Philosophy of Social Science

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module links the three elements of PPE by considering the nature of social science generally, looking in particular at the Philosophy of Economics, then considering Social and Political Philosophy. In the first half, after raising questions in the philosophy of science and social science, we will investigate the concept of utility based on preference theory that is employed in Welfare Economics. We will ask whether the economic conception of rationality based on maximization of expected utility makes sense, and we will ask what would be required to think of Economics as a science. In the second half we will examine new impulses in social theory that explore the ways in which ideas and practices of the good are intrinsic to social life. This offers a parallel perspective to social-theoretical investigations of darker themes of power, political manipulation, inequality and subjugation. We will consider questions a) about how people evaluate what is good and bad, right and wrong b) how moral ideas and practices affect action and c) how social processes create, shape and sustain moral ideas and practices as well as forms of moral subjectivity.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module students will:
(i) have an understanding of the central ideas in the philosophy of social science;
(ii) have a philosophical understanding of some fundamental ideas used in Economics and in Social/Political Theory;
(iii) be able to develop their own arguments about how to employ these fundamental ideas;
(iv) be able to express these arguments in a clear, coherent and well-informed way.

Indicative Module Content:

Philosophy of Economics; Utility; Rational Choice Theory; Moral Hazard; Social Science methodology; Authority; Recognition; Autonomy.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Tutorial

8

Autonomous Student Learning

93

Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures; tutorials; independent learning in preparation for essays and exams. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Additional Information:
This module is only available for stage 2 PPE students.


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: 1500 word essay on first half of the module Week 6 n/a Graded No

50

Essay: 1500 word essay on second half of the course Week 12 n/a Graded No

50


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback on the first essay is provided in the form of comments and a grade within two weeks of the submission deadline. Feedback on the second essay is provided in the same way at the very end of the module.

Name Role
Professor Maeve Cooke Lecturer / Co-Lecturer