What is Science?

The course What is science? covers the main contributions of three of the most relevant philosophers of science of all time: Rudolf Carnap, Karl Popper and Thomas Kuhn. The conception that each of these authors makes of the scientific phenomenon serves as an excuse to review the main scientific theories, which will be presented in their historical context.

The contents of the course consist of three units:

1. Logical Positivism: the philosophy of Rudolf Carnap.
2. Karl Popper: the rise and fall of falsificationism.
3. Thomas Kuhn: paradigms, revolutions and… A whiff of relativism?

Timetable:

Contents available for self-paced study from 9 Februaty to 27 March.

Live lessons – all from 16h to 18:30 CET:

• 19.02.2026 – Unit 1
• 05.03.2026 – Unit 2
• 26.03.2026 – Unit 3

• EUNICE student: enrolled as a student (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD level) in one of the universities of EUNICE European University consortium (check its members here).
• B2 level of English.
• Basic science education.
• Intellectual curiosity.

Study Level: Bachelor, Master, PhD

• Submit your application via the button ‘Apply Now’.
• Please keep in mind that the number of participants could be limited for each course. Application does not guarantee enrolment in the course.
• The course participants will be selected based on criteria specified in the study guide.
• Your home university will inform you whether you have been accepted and provide further information about the next steps.

Specific instructions in some universities:

• BTU students: for questions about enrolment and recognition at your university, you can visit this website.
• UPHF students: make sure to ask the approval of your director of studies (responsable pédagogique) before applying. For any question, you can contact the EUNICE office: eunice@uphf.fr.
• UoP students: questions about enrolment and recognition can be answered by your Director of Studies or ECTS Coordinator, or you can contact eunice@go.uop.gr.

Any questions about enrolment or credit recognition? Contact your EUNICE course coordinator.