Philosophy of Science

Course Description

This course will follow three main paths: Firstly it will introduce philosophy to doctoral students. The meaning of philosophy, its scope, its sub-branches and its different schools will be the subject topic of the first weeks. Then the course will focus on the relation of philosophy with the sources of knowledge and different sciences. Here, Rationalism, Empiricism and Intuitionism will be covered during the following weeks. In the remaining weeks the course will concentrate on philosophy of science and scientific ethics. Logical positivism, paradigm changes, falsificationism, the questions of “what is science”, “what is pseudo-science?”, “what is the relation between theory and reality?” are amongst topics that will be covered. Finally, the course will concentrate on ethical theories and will particularly cover scientific ethics.

Philosophy of Science

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

No evaluation items have been defined.

Course outcomes

No course outcomes have been defined yet.

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Richard Boyd, Philip Gasper, and J.D. Trout, The philosophy of Science, MIT Press, 1991
2. 02 Manuel Velasquez, Philosophy: A text with readings, Cengage Learning, 2009

Learning Outcomes

No learning outcomes have been defined.

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate mastery of advanced research methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods) by critically analyzing literature, identifying research gaps, and designing original studies that contribute to MIS theory and practice.
2. Conduct and defend an original doctoral dissertation that reflects independent scholarly inquiry, academic rigor, and a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge in MIS.
3. Exhibit readiness for thesis monitoring and defense by articulating the philosophical foundations of research paradigms, positioning one's research within these frameworks, and responding to scholarly critique.
4. Apply ethical principles, academic integrity, and responsible conduct of research in all phases of the research process, including data collection, analysis, reporting, and publication.
5. Identify and address the social, legal, and ethical implications of information systems research and its applications within organizational and societal contexts.
6. Employ advanced data science techniques, including statistical modeling, machine learning, and AI-based analytics, to examine complex datasets and extract meaningful insights in MIS research.
7. Recognize and evaluate emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, assessing their transformative impact on organizational processes and digital ecosystems.
8. Collaborate and lead in interdisciplinary research environments, establishing productive scientific partnerships and managing research projects that integrate diverse academic perspectives.
9. Publish high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals, present findings at international conferences, and actively engage in academic service such as journal reviewing, conference organizing, and committee participation.
10. Identify challenges and propose innovative, research-based solutions at the intersection of information systems, technology, and organizational strategy.
11. Deliver advanced-level MIS courses, supervise graduate research, and nurture academic development through effective mentorship and scholarly teaching.
12. Develop advanced information systems and decision support systems that align IT capabilities with organizational strategies using systems thinking and innovative design methodologies.

Po-Lo Matrix

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