Dansk - English
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Theory of Science, Ethics & Aesthetics for Engineers (Spring 2011) |
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| Course code : | ME-SEA-U1 | ||
| ECTS Credits : | 5 | Status : | Optional |
| Revised : | 24/08 2009 | Written : | 24/08 2009 |
| Placement : | 4. / 6. semester | Hours per week : | 4 |
| Length : | 1 semester | Teaching Language : | English |
| Objective : | To provide the students with knowledge of science and technology seen from a meta-perspective, and to give the student insight into the relation between science, technology and society. A student who has met the objectives of the course will be able to: • Describe the relationship between scientific knowledge and practical experience in creating new technologies. • Describe types of knowledge and competences composing engineering practice. • Identify problems in basic theory of science that are related to the engineering sciences. • Analyse logical arguments and discuss argumentation and forms of justification. • Analyse and discuss the use and limitations of models as representing tools in science and technology. • Communicate and discuss contemporary questions related to ethics in the engineering profession. • Communicate and discuss contemporary questions related to aesthetics in engineering design. |
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| Principal Content : | Basic ingredients: • Introduction to the world of reflection. • Central concepts, distinctions and problems in the philosophy of science. • Knowledge and different forms of knowledge. • Logic, argumentation and forms of justification. • Knowledge acquiring methods (scientific methods). • The use of models as representing tools in science and technology. Special interest for Engineering: • Characteristics of engineering work and engineering competences. • The relation between science and engineering (technology). • Characteristics of problem-based projects (use of theory, empirical investigations and quality assessment). • Engineering and ethics. o Ethical problems in connection with the use of technology. o Relevant ethical issues for engineers (responsibility, duty). • Engineering design and aesthetics. o The aesthetic dimension of a design. o The subjective dimension of value judgement. |
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| Teaching method : | The teaching is based on lectures and group discussions. | ||
| Required prequisites : | - | ||
| Recommended prerequisites : | - | ||
| Relations : | Bachelor project, Project 4 and Applied Mathematics 2. | ||
| Type of examination : | Oral examination based on a project | ||
| External examiner : | Internal | ||
| Marking : | 7 step scale | ||
| Remarks : | This course is primarily for students enrolled in the program “Engineering Design & Industrial Innovation”, offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering. It is, however, a general elective course in the philosophy of science and technology, aimed at all engineering students, regardless of specialization. | ||
| Teaching material : | - Lecture Notes on CampusNet. | ||
| Responsible teacher : | Claus Petersson
, cpet@dtu.dk |
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