Mälardalen University, Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Philosophy of Computer Science, 5 points

Informationsvetenskapernas filosofi/vetenskapsteori

Course code:

CD5650

Level:

Specialized

Subject:

Computer Science

Area of education:

Natural Sciences

Valid from:

20032

ECTS:

7.5

Ratification date:

2003-11-01

Change date:

 

Objectives

Course will give an insight in the methodology and philosophy of Computer Science as well as foundational problems of Informatics, its ideas and relations to different sciences and philosophy.

Course content

I.     PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS - LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS

  • Introductory lecture: What is PI?
  • Information
  • Physics as a traditional model of the ideal science for Philosophy of Science
  • Computation

II.    METHODOLOGY, MODELING AND SIMULATION - LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS

  • Philosophical Foundations of Computer Science
  • Critical Analysis of Computer Science Methodology
  • Philosophical Aspects of Modeling and Simulation

III.   ETHICAL AND SOCIETAL ASPECTS, MINI-CONFERENCE, LECTURES AND SEMINAR

  • Computers in Society (Ethics, Internet Culture, Art)
  • Mini-Conference

Teaching methods

The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, classroom training (seminar/mini-conference), and training in critical thinking and writing research paper. The course is given in English.

Prerequisites

At least 120 university course points.

Examination

Class participation with class notes (3p), research paper presented at a conference (2p).

Marks

3, 4 or 5.

Environmental aspects

Environmental aspects are discussed as one of the important ethical questions.

Literature

The Blackwell Guide to the Philosophy of Computing and Information

(Blackwell Philosophy Guides), Luciano Floridi (Editor)

For more information about the literature see the course webpage.