COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Code of course: BMI-LOTD17-201E.02	
Title of course: Philosophy of Social Science	
Lecturer: Anna Réz	
General aim of the course: The course offers a general introduction to some of the main contemporary issues discussed within the philosophy of social science. This is an advanced seminar, where previous knowledge in philosophy and/or social sciences is recommended.
Content of the course: 
Topics:
•	rational choice explanations, game theory and its critics
•	explanation and prediction in social sciences
•	reductionism, individualism, holism
•	values and objectivity
Grading criteria, specific requirements:
All students taking the class for credit must submit at least 5 response papers throughout the semester, which should be handed in before the respective classes (50%). Additionally, short online quizzes will make up the other 50% of the final grade.
Required reading:
•	Little, D. Varieties of Social Explanation. An Introduction to the Philosophy of Social Science, ch. 8. Westview Press: Boulder, Colorado.
•	Lukes, S. „Methodological Individualism Reconsidered”. In M. Martin - L. C. McIntyre (eds.): Readings in the Philosophy of Social Science, Cambridge (Mass.): MIT Press 1994.
•	Machlup, F. “Are the Social Sciences Really Inferior?”, reprinted in M. Martin and L.C. McIntyre, eds. Readings in the Philosophy of Social Science, Cambridge MA: MIT Press, 1994.
•	Putnam, H. "Beyond the Fact/Value Dichotomy", in H. Putnam, Realism With a Human Face, Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1990.
•	Sen, A. "Rational Fools", Philosophy and Public Affairs, 6, pp. 317−44., 1976, reprinted in M. Martin and L.C. McIntyre, eds. Readings in the Philosophy of Social Science, Cambridge MA: MIT Press, 1994.
•	Taylor, C."Interpretation and the Sciences of Man", Review of Metaphysics, 25, pp. 3−51., 1971; reprinted in M. Martin and L.C. McIntyre, eds. Readings in the Philosophy of Social Science, Cambridge MA: MIT Pr mess, 1994.
•	Watkins, J. W. N. „Historical Explanation in the Social Sciences”. In: M. Martin - L. C. McIntyre (eds.): Readings in the Philosophy of Social Science, Cambridge (Mass.): MIT Press 1994.
•	Weisstein, N. “Psychology Constructs the Female”. In: M. Martin - L. C. McIntyre (eds.): Readings in the Philosophy of Social Science, Cambridge (Mass.): MIT Press 1994.