POLITICAL EPISTEMOLOGY

This class introduces political epistemology as a critical reflection on science and scientific culture at the intersection of various disciplinary lines of inquiry, which include:

a. the philosophy of science;
b. the history and sociology of science;
c. political theory.

The class of 2024/25 dealt with a. the political epistemology of ecology in connection with b. the criticism of technocracy and c. a specific focus on hydrology.
The 2025/26 course broadened the scope of the topic to include risk in the nuclear sector.
This year’s course will follow on from previous years, covering kindered topics. The recommended reading list will be announced in due course.

General objectives:
• To introduce students to political epistemology;
• To explore the ways to connect main problems of the philosophy of science (e.g., the origins, practices, validity, function, and goals of science) with the history of science;
• To address crucial topics of political epistemology, e.g., the problems of science’s collective character and the politics of science;
• To become capable of reflecting of and discussing philosophical classics in historical-political epistemology and critically interpret them in the light of political-theoretical concerns.

Specific objectives:
• To explore this year's specific problematic.

• General background knowledge of philosophy, its history and approaches;
• Enthusiasm and readiness to engage with challenging historical and philosophical discussions and readings;
• Knowledge of English, in order to read the materials and participate in the discussion

The meetings will have a seminar-like character, alternating frontal teaching and sources-based discussion.
Students will be introduced to the main problems of political epistemology, such as the political aprioris of science, the connection of science and power, knowledge property, knowledge economy, interests and knowledge, ideology and technocracy, science collectivism, etc.

Primary sources will constitute the basis for an in-depth study and comprehension of the scientific, philosophical and political challenges of our epistemic culture on the basis of key topics/cases.

The students are expected to read in advance the texts that constitute the focus of the various classes according to the course calendar.

This year's mandatory readings will be communicated in due time.

Additional non-mandatory literature:

Pietro Daniel Omodeo, Political Epistemology: The Problem of Ideology in Science Studies (Dordrecht: Springer, 2019).

Referneces to further secondary literature will be made available during the classes or through Moodle.

Oral examination on the sources and themes of the class.
The alternative of a written assignment might be considered.

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

Regarding the grading scale for the oral exam:
A. Scores in the range of 18-22 will be assigned for:
- Sufficient knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Limited ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Sufficient communication skills.

B. Scores in the range of 23-26 will be assigned for:
- Fair knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Fair ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Fair communication skills.

C. Scores in the range of 27-30 will be assigned for:
- Good or excellent knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Good or excellent ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Fully appropriate communication skills.

D. The “laude” will be awarded to students with excellent knowledge and comprehension of the textbooks and related topics.

The teaching will consist of:
• frontal teaching, in which the professor will introduce students to the topics of the course;
• and a dialogic seminar-like part, in which students will interact with their classmates and the professor on the basis of the texts they have been assigned and they have to read in preparation for the lessons.

Regarding the grading scale for the oral exam:
A. Scores in the range of 18-22 will be assigned for:
- Sufficient knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Limited ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Sufficient communication skills.

B. Scores in the range of 23-26 will be assigned for:
- Fair knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Fair ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Fair communication skills.

C. Scores in the range of 27-30 will be assigned for:
- Good or excellent knowledge of the textbooks and related topics
- Good or excellent ability to use data and form independent judgments
- Fully appropriate communication skills.

D. The “laude” will be awarded to students with excellent knowledge and comprehension of the textbooks and related topics.