Course Memo

Schedule

Lectures

Homework

Seminars

Exam

Essay

The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to mathematics, natural sciences, and computer science. A short overview of the history of science is given. The most important thoughts within the general theory of knowledge are presented and analyzed. Popper's and Kuhn's scientific philosophies are presented. Concepts such as causality, realism and antirealism, hypotheses, and ad hoc hypotheses are discussed. Ethical problems of scholarship and the researcher's role are also reviewed.

Basic concepts within the theory of knowledge and scientific methodology, such as causality, data, correlation, hypothesis, and inductive-deductive methods.
Special methods and problems in computer science and mathematics.
Scientific methodology in engineering projects.
Experimental methodology.
Ethics in scholarship and the scientist's role in society.
How one reads and writes scientific reports.
Practical training in writing scientific reports.