The PhD training component in Theory of Science

General information

The training component in "vitenskapsteori" ("theory of science", includes the philosophy, history and sociology of science) and ethics is an important and mandatory part of all PhD studies at the University of Bergen. This is required by the PhD regulations at the University of Bergen and is furthermore in correspondence with the national regulations given by the Norwegian Association of Higher Education Institutions. At the University of Bergen, the Senter for vitenskapsteori - the Centre for the Study of the Sciences and the Humanities - is in charge of this training component. The primary purpose of the training in "vitenskapsteori" and ethics is to strengthen the ability and depth of reflection of the candidates in their research education. Specifically, we aim to

* develop the candidates' knowledge of the characteristic features, strengths and limitations of their own field of inquiry, and how these can affect their encounters with other academic disciplines and sectors of society,

* develop the candidates' critical skills and capacity for reflection, including their ability to reflect upon their own academic field and own research from other and external perspectives,

* and thereby help shape researchers who combine academic strength and authority with academic maturity, and who know how to translate into action their understanding of the value of other perspectives and the limitations of their own field.

The content, scope and practical organization of these course varies from faculty to faculty, and are determined in cooperation with SVT and the individual faculties.