Philosophy of Science

This course examines the philosophical foundations of scientific inquiry with a particular focus on their implications for research in language education. It explores key concepts such as the nature and scope of science, the structure of scientific theories, the criteria of scientific explanation, and the demarcation between science and non-science. Students will critically engage with major philosophical perspectives—including positivism, post-positivism, interpretivism, critical theory, and postmodernism—while reflecting on how these paradigms shape research questions, methodologies, and interpretations in the field of language education. Through readings, discussions, and case analyses, students will develop the ability to articulate their own epistemological and ontological positions, evaluate the philosophical underpinnings of existing studies, and apply philosophical reasoning to the design of their own research.