The participant knows and understands current topics in the philosophy of social science and sees the relevance on these topics to her own field of study and especially to her own thesis work.

The purpose of this course is to provide a review of the currently discussed topics in the philosophy of the social sciences. The lectures are given by researchers in the field. The course is methodologically oriented and the lectures combine exposition of philosophical argumentation with ample use of concrete case studies. 

Course outline:

1. 12.1.  Introduction (to the field): Jaakko Kuorikoski
2. 19.1.Explanation and understanding revisited: Jaakko Kuorikoski
3. 26.1. The micro-macro issue: Petri Ylikoski
4. 2.2. Process tracing and causal mechanisms: Tuukka Kaidesoja or Jaakko
5. 9.2. Growing virtual societies and big data: Samuli Pöyhönen
6. 16.2. Experimental social science: Michiru Nagatsu
7. 9.3. Social science and values: Kristina Rolin
8. 16.3. Social science and objectivity: Inkeri Koskinen
9. 23.3. Social norms: Joonas Ottman and/or Jaakko Kuorikoski
10. 6.4. Social ontology: Raul Hakli and/or Pekka Mäkelä
11. 13.4. Human nature and the biosciences: Tomi Kokkonen & Jaakko Kuorikoski
12. 20.4. Social science and policy: Caterina Marchionni

No evaluation for PhD students; for students 1-5, based on the writing assignments. Evaluation is based on the depth and scope of understanding, competence in argumentation, and the degree of the students own engagement with the material.

Level:

PhD-students and advanced students of social sciences

Participants write short (2-3 page) essays on five topics which they see as most relevant for their studies. The writing assignments are also based on the provided background material.