Valid for: 2022/23
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering, LTH
Decided by: PLED F/Pi
Date of Decision: 2022-04-20
Elective for: F4, Pi4
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English
The course aims to give students an introduction to the
philosophy of mathematics from a practical perspective, and to
make students aware of some important questions concerning the
culture of mathematics, such as good scientific practice,
reproducibility and diversity.
Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must
• be able to describe and use some basic theories in the
philosophy of science, in particular their application to
mathematics
• be able to describe and have practised the recovery and usage
of primary and secondary sources of knowledge, especially scholarly
research published in international journals
• be able to describe and have practised methods for evaluating
scholarly work
• be able to give an account of relevant historical and current
research questions
• be able to describe current challenges in university culture,
e.g. to ensure equal opportunities and diversity.
Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must
• be able to apply the working methods of philosophy of
science in order to identify and analyse common types of
argument
• be able to write a referee report
• be able to give an account of recently acquired knowledge and
insights in both written and oral form, as part of a group or
individually
• through a project have been given an introduction to research
on different aspects of university research and culture.
Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must
• be able to argue the value of both philosophical and
personal critical reflection, regarding various forms of human
knowledge and science
• be able to formulate relevant criticism of both individual
philosophical arguments and scientific theories.
The course introduces elements of
It discusses some questions concerning good scientific culture practice in mathematics. This includes questions about reproducibility and diversity.
Grading scale: UG - (U,G) - (Fail, Pass)
Assessment: Written project, oral presentation.
The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.
Assumed prior knowledge: Some experience of academic writing within mathematics or the natural sciences, for instance, reports or essays.
The number of participants is limited to: 20
Selection: Completed university credits within the programme. Priority is given to students enrolled on programmes that include the course in their curriculum.
Examinator: Carina Geldhauser, Carina.Geldhauser@math.lth.se
Course coordinator: Carina Geldhauser, Carina.Geldhauser@math.lth.se
Course homepage: https://www.maths.lth.se/course/MathCult