Philosophical Issues in Evolution MSc (P02798)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : PPL-P-PhilIssEv

This course will offer detailed seminars on key philosophical issues in evolution and evolutionary theory. No background in biology or life-sciences will be assumed, and the course is intended to be accessible to students with a wide range of philosophical interests and aptitudes.

Shared with UG course U04163 Philosophical Issues in Evolution

Entry Requirements

none

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Philosophy, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Not being delivered

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Students who take this course should be equipped to explore, discuss and analyse philosophical issues in the development, history and methodology of theories of evolution by mans of natural selection, and thereby acquire confidence in dealing with these issues. In particular, they should be enabled to explore critically topics that include the following:
* The mechanisms of evolution and the unit of natural selection
* The status of Darwinism as a scientific theory
* The conflict (or otherwise) between Darwinism and Design
* The explanatory scope of adaptationism
* The forces of contingency and convergence in natural selection