HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY EPISTEMOLOGY

After following the course, the student will possess a solid knowledge of the main contemporary epistemological theories, something that is needed to understand the scientific status of the various psychological disciplines. The study of epistemology will also contribute, in a decisive way, to the acquisition of the critical spirit that is necessary both to begin a self-learning path and to explain the methodological assumptions of one’s field studies and of the research reported in the scientific literature.

The student will be familiar with the themes and vocabulary of philosophy, which will allow him to understand the philosophical debates that most interest psychologists. Vocabulary is particularly important, because the student will use a specialized vocabulary in this subject, just as in the other subjects he studies. The study of epistemology, or philosophy of science, will also guarantee the possession of the awareness of the complexity of the phenomena that are studied by biological and human sciences (to both of which psychology belongs in many ways) and of the problems that, consequently, are posed to those who try to “map” these phenomena. Finally, the study of the philosophy of science will provide the student with interdisciplinary skills.

The teaching will be carried out through lectures, a method that will ensure the transmission of contents and methods. In order to achieve the objectives relating to learning and communication skills, questions for clarification and deepening by the students will be encouraged during the lessons. Lessons will include guided reading of philosophical texts, in order to develop the ability to understand this kind of writings.

The nature of science. Knowledge and reality. Paradigm shifts within science. Science from the outside. The bases of knowledge according to Popper. Science and society in Popper’s thought. Feyerabend: the critique of scientific monism. The history of science according to Feyerabend.

1. Samir Okasha, Il primo libro di filosofia della scienza (Piccola Biblioteca Einaudi Ns), Torino (Einaudi) 2006, 154 pages.

2. Karl R. Popper, Le fonti della conoscenza e dell'ignoranza (Biblioteca paperbacks), Bologna (Il Mulino) 2011, 128 pages.

3. Paul K. Feyerabend, Contro il metodo, Abbozzo di una teoria anarchica della conoscenza (Universale Economica Saggi), preface by Giulio Giorello, translation by Libero Sosio, Milano (Feltrinelli) 2013, 276 pages.