Philosophy of Science

This course examines a series of evidential, epistemological and methodological issues which arise in economic modelling and theorizing. During the course, students will be trained to: clearly articulate persuasive and well-structured arguments for or against a given position; integrate heterogeneous bodies of empirical and theoretical information; adopt a self-directed and original approach to the examination of recent debates at the interface between the philosophy of economics and the philosophy of science. By the end of the course, successful students will: demonstrate accurate knowledge of foundational issues in model construction and theory change in distinct decision sciences; master central terminological and conceptual distinctions concerning notions such as intertheoretic reduction and scientific revolution; acquire a detailed understanding of specific debates in the philosophy of science.