Time & Venue
Tuesday 10.15 – 12.00 (beginning on Tueseday 23/02/2016).
ETH Zurich, Room IFW C33.

Course Description
Uncertainty is inherent in all scientific research endeavors and often poses major practical challenges for the application of scientific knowledge in decision-making. This course provides a philosophical perspective on current issues related to uncertainty in science and science-based decision-making. Examples from different fields (climate science, toxicology, economics) will be discussed.
The seminar consists of two parts. In the first part, certain generic philosophical problems pertaining to scientific uncertainty will be introduced. In the second part, concrete examples from different scientific disciplines will be discussed.

Course Objective
The aim of the course is not to present a grand theory of uncertainty in science, but to provide insights into the variety of different types and sources of uncertainty that scientists face in their research. Thinking about uncertainty in science will also enable students to take a reflective stance on the epistemic status of scientific knowledge in general. This course is part of ETH’s Critical Thinking Initiative.

Contact
Dr. Karim Bschir
ETH Zürich, Professur für Philosophie
Clausiusstrasse 49
8092 Zürich
bschir@phil.gess.ethz.ch

Teaching assistant: Tobias Huber

tobias.huber@phil.gess.ethz.ch

Office Hours
Tuesday 13-14 PM, CLW D1, Clausiusstrasse 4
(please arrange an appointment)