After completing the course, the doctoral student understands the nature of scientific knowledge and is familiar with the general features of scientific theories, concepts, laws, approaches and research methods. S/he understands the development of science and is able to identify and classify fields of science, scientific traditions and schools of thought. S/he knows on a general level how to formulate scientific hypotheses and deduce research results. The doctoral student is able to choose from the different philosophy of science perspectives and understands how they influence the research topic, hypotheses, research methods and results. S/he is able to use the fundamental questions in the philosophy of science and relate them to her/his own field in a comprehensive and nuanced way.

The course deals with some or all of the following themes: 1. Research topics and the classification of fields of science. 2. Concepts, propositions and arguments. 3. Hypotheses, explanations and justifications. 4. Scientific realism and anti-realism. The course may also deal with other relevant questions related to the philosophy of science.