SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND CRITICAL THINKING

Course Description

This course is an introductory course in philosophy of science, with a special emphasis on the scientific method. The course covers basic topics in philosophy of science such as scientific method, scientific explanation, causality, reduction and reductionism, natural laws, demarcation between science and pseudoscience, the relation between evidence and hypothesis, and scientific progress. The works of some important thinkers such as Carl Hempel, Karl Popper, Thomas Kuhn and Imre Lakatos are introduced. The course is also aimed at providing the students the necessary critical thinking skills. For this aim, some basic rules of formal logic, the distinction between deductive and inductive arguments, common cognitive biases and logical fallacies are also discussed.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND CRITICAL THINKING

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

No evaluation items have been defined.

Course outcomes

1. 01 Define induction, confirmation, deduction, validity, soundness
2. 02 Classify logical fallacies into types such as slippery slope, ad hominem, etc.
3. 03 Describe the relation between science and philosophy
4. 04 Compare the views of major philosophers of science.
5. 05 List the philosophical problems associated with causation, realism, explanation and reduction.
6. 06 Distinguish science from pseudoscience.

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Godfrey-Smith, P. (2003) Theory and Reality. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
2. 02 Rosenberg, R. (2005) Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary Introduction. Routledge.
3. 03 Solomon, R. C. & Higgins, M. C. (2010). The Big Questions. Wadsworth.

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 Define induction, confirmation, deduction, validity, soundness
2. L02 Classify logical fallacies into types such as slippery slope, ad hominem, etc.
3. L03 Describe the relation between science and philosophy
4. L04 Compare the views of major philosophers of science.
5. L05 List the philosophical problems associated with causation, realism, explanation and reduction.
6. L06 Distinguish science from pseudoscience.
7. L07 Define induction, confirmation, deduction, validity, soundness. SOLO 3
8. L08 Classify logical fallacies into types such as slippery slope, ad hominem, etc. SOLO 3
9. L09 Describe the relation between science and philosophy. SOLO 3
10. L10 Compare the views of major philosophers of science. SOLO 4
11. L11 List the philosophical problems associated with causation, realism, explanation and reduction. SOLO 3
12. L12 Distinguish science from pseudoscience. SOLO 4

Program Outcomes

1. P01 1- To have advanced theoretical and practical knowledge supported by textbooks, application tools and other resources including current information in the field of Accounting and Finance.
2. P02 2- To be able to use advanced theoretical and practical knowledge acquired in the field of Accounting and Finance.
3. P03 3- To be able to interpret and evaluate data, identify problems, analyze and develop solutions based on research and evidence by using advanced knowledge and skills acquired in the field of Accounting and Finance.
4. P04 4- To be able to take responsibility as an individual and a team member in order to solve complex and unpredictable problems in accounting and finance applications.
5. P05 5- To be able to plan and manage activities for the development of employees under the responsibility of a project.
6. P06 6- To be able to determine the learning requirements in the field of Accounting and Finance and to direct their learning.
7. P07 7- To be able to inform people and institutions about issues related to the field of accounting and finance, and to be able to transfer their ideas and solution proposals in writing and orally.
8. P08 8- To be able to use information and communication technologies together with computer software at the European Computer Driving License Advanced Level required by the field of Accounting and Finance.
9. P09 9- To act in accordance with social, scientific, cultural and ethical values in the stages of collecting, interpreting, applying and announcing the results related to the field of accounting and finance.

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