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PHL361Arts2 Unitsintermediate

PHILOSOPHY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

This course is a philosophical exploration of the logic and methodology within the social sciences. It examines the meaning of causation, the problem of induction, and the appropriate use of statistics. Students will analyze the distinctions between social and natural sciences, evaluate empirical processes, and explore the role of theory in social explanation. The course is designed for philosophy students and those interested in the foundations of social scientific inquiry.

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200h
Study Time
13
Weeks
15h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Philosophy of Social ScienceSocial Science MethodsCausationInductionSocial Explanation

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Philosophy of Social Science

2

Epistemology

3

Metaphysics

4

Logic

5

Ethics

6

Social Science Methods

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Introduction to Philosophy

Logic

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Academic Philosopher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Science Educator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Opinion Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentEducationResearch InstitutesNon-Profit OrganizationsConsulting

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Meaning of Philosophy of Social Sciences

3h

Unit 1: Philosophy, Its Mode and Methods

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understanding the etymological and general meaning of philosophy.
  • •Analyze the mode and methods employed in philosophical inquiry.
Week
2

Module 1: Meaning of Philosophy of Social Sciences

3h

Unit 2: Meaning and development of the Philosophy of the Social Sciences

3 study hours
  • •Examine the meaning and development of philosophy of the social sciences.
  • •Discuss the role of philosophy in social science research.
Week
3

Module 1: Meaning of Philosophy of Social Sciences

3h

Unit 3: The Concept of Society

3 study hours
  • •Define the concept of society and its basic components.
  • •Analyze different types of sociality and their philosophical implications.
Week
4

Module 1: Meaning of Philosophy of Social Sciences

3h

Unit 4: Philosophy and the Social Sciences

3 study hours
  • •Explore the relationship between philosophy and the social sciences.
  • •Distinguish social sciences from natural sciences.
Week
5

Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences

3h

Unit 1: Epistemology and the Social Sciences

3 study hours
  • •Examine the meaning, nature, and problems of epistemology.
  • •Analyze empiricism and rationalism as approaches to knowledge.
Week
6

Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences

3h

Unit 1: Epistemology and the Social Sciences

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the nature of epistemology and its relevance to social sciences.
  • •Explore the correspondence and coherence theories of truth.
Week
7

Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences

3h

Unit 2: Metaphysics and the Social sciences

3 study hours
  • •Define metaphysics and its divisions.
  • •Explore metaphysical problems such as universals and particulars.
Week
8

Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences

3h

Unit 2: Metaphysics and the Social sciences

3 study hours
  • •Analyze the relevance of metaphysics to the social sciences.
  • •Discuss the problem of the existence of God and the mind-body problem.
Week
9

Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences

3h

Unit 3: Logic and the Social Sciences

3 study hours
  • •Explore the meaning and nature of logic.
  • •Discuss the value of logic to society and its application in social sciences.
Week
10

Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences

3h

Unit 4: Ethics and the Social Sciences

3 study hours
  • •Examine the relationship between ethics and the social sciences.
  • •Analyze the moral dimensions of social science discourse.
Week
11

Module 3: Methods of Social Sciences

3h

Unit 1: Generally Observed Methods of the Social Sciences

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the generally observed methods of social sciences.
  • •Analyze the basic procedures and issues in social science research methods.
Week
12

Module 3: Methods of Social Sciences

6h

Unit 2: Alternative Approach

3 study hours
  • •Explore alternative approaches to social science research.
  • •Discuss different theoretical frameworks used in social sciences.

Unit 3: Naturalism

3 study hours
  • •Define naturalism and its contribution to the social sciences.
  • •Analyze nature as the foundation of social science inquiry.
Week
13

Module 3: Methods of Social Sciences

3h

Unit 4: Reductionism

3 study hours
  • •Discuss the role of reductionism in the natural sciences.
  • •Analyze the relevance of reductionism to the social sciences.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking epistemology, metaphysics, logic, and ethics to social science methods.

2

Review key definitions and distinctions from Units 1-4 in Modules 1 and 2 weekly.

3

Practice applying philosophical concepts to analyze social issues from case studies.

4

Focus on understanding the strengths and weaknesses of positivism and alternative approaches.

5

Prepare detailed outlines summarizing the main arguments and counterarguments for each unit.

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