PHILOSOPHY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
- Arts
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 180 pages
- 15 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 200 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Logic
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PHL361, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PHL361 · UNIT 1: PHILOSOPHY, ITS MODE AND METHODS
In this unit, you will learn about the etymological, general meaning and evolution of philosophy, social sciences and philosophy of social sciences. We shall begins with an overview of the term philosophy, definitions and their analyses and proceeds to the etymology of the term, culminates in the evolution of the discipline called philosophy and eventually the philosophy of social sciences.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the philosophical foundations of social sciences
- Analyze the logic and methods of social research
- Evaluate the role of values in social scientific inquiry
- Distinguish between social and natural sciences
- Apply philosophical concepts to real-world social issues
What it prepares you for
- Policy Analyst
- Social Researcher
- Academic Philosopher
- Social Science Educator
- Public Opinion Analyst
- Government
- Education
- Research Institutes
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Consulting
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences
Unit 1: Epistemology and the Social Sciences
The unit requires understanding of complex philosophical concepts such as justification, truth, and belief, which can be challenging for students new to epistemology.
- Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences
Unit 2: Metaphysics and the Social sciences
The unit explores abstract concepts like universals, particulars, and the existence of God, demanding strong analytical skills and abstract reasoning.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 42 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Meaning of Philosophy of Social Sciences
Unit 1: Philosophy, Its Mode and Methods · 3 hours
Read Unit 1: Understanding the etymological and general meaning of philosophy.. Analyze the mode and methods employed in philosophical inquiry..
- Week 2Module 1: Meaning of Philosophy of Social Sciences
Unit 2: Meaning and development of the Philosophy of the Social Sciences · 3 hours
Examine the meaning and development of philosophy of the social sciences.. Discuss the role of philosophy in social science research..
- Week 3Module 1: Meaning of Philosophy of Social Sciences
Unit 3: The Concept of Society · 3 hours
Define the concept of society and its basic components.. Analyze different types of sociality and their philosophical implications..
- Week 4Module 1: Meaning of Philosophy of Social Sciences
Unit 4: Philosophy and the Social Sciences · 3 hours
Explore the relationship between philosophy and the social sciences.. Distinguish social sciences from natural sciences..
- Week 5Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences
Unit 1: Epistemology and the Social Sciences · 3 hours
Examine the meaning, nature, and problems of epistemology.. Analyze empiricism and rationalism as approaches to knowledge..
- Week 6Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences
Unit 1: Epistemology and the Social Sciences · 3 hours
Discuss the nature of epistemology and its relevance to social sciences.. Explore the correspondence and coherence theories of truth..
- Week 7Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences
Unit 2: Metaphysics and the Social sciences · 3 hours
Define metaphysics and its divisions.. Explore metaphysical problems such as universals and particulars..
- Week 8Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences
Unit 2: Metaphysics and the Social sciences · 3 hours
Analyze the relevance of metaphysics to the social sciences.. Discuss the problem of the existence of God and the mind-body problem..
- Week 9Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences
Unit 3: Logic and the Social Sciences · 3 hours
Explore the meaning and nature of logic.. Discuss the value of logic to society and its application in social sciences..
- Week 10Module 2: Basic divisions in Philosophy and philosophy of Social Sciences
Unit 4: Ethics and the Social Sciences · 3 hours
Examine the relationship between ethics and the social sciences.. Analyze the moral dimensions of social science discourse..
- Week 11Module 3: Methods of Social Sciences
Unit 1: Generally Observed Methods of the Social Sciences · 3 hours
Discuss the generally observed methods of social sciences.. Analyze the basic procedures and issues in social science research methods..
- Week 12Module 3: Methods of Social Sciences
Unit 2: Alternative Approach · 3 hours
Explore alternative approaches to social science research.. Discuss different theoretical frameworks used in social sciences..
Unit 3: Naturalism · 3 hours
Define naturalism and its contribution to the social sciences.. Analyze nature as the foundation of social science inquiry..
- Week 13Module 3: Methods of Social Sciences
Unit 4: Reductionism · 3 hours
Discuss the role of reductionism in the natural sciences.. Analyze the relevance of reductionism to the social sciences..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking epistemology, metaphysics, logic, and ethics to social science methods.
- Review key definitions and distinctions from Units 1-4 in Modules 1 and 2 weekly.
- Practice applying philosophical concepts to analyze social issues from case studies.
- Focus on understanding the strengths and weaknesses of positivism and alternative approaches.
- Prepare detailed outlines summarizing the main arguments and counterarguments for each unit.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PHL361 about?
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.
How many units does PHL361 have?
PHL361, PHILOSOPHY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, has 15 units across 4 modules, over 180 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PHL361?
PHL361 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Arts.
Is PHL361 hard?
PHL361 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does PHL361 take to study?
About 200 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is PHL361 assessed?
PHL361 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What do I need before starting PHL361?
Introduction to Philosophy Logic
What can I do with PHL361?
Policy Analyst, Social Researcher, Academic Philosopher, Social Science Educator and Public Opinion Analyst.