Explaining Social Behavior

1. komponenta

Lecture type	Total
Lectures	15
Seminar	15

* Load is given in academic hour (1 academic hour = 45 minutes)

The course offers an introduction to basic elements of understanding and explaining human social behavior from the perspective of both contemporary social sciences and philosophy of science. The course is held exclusively in English.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
1. Master the basic theoretical vocabulary of social scientific thinking
2. Recognize the specific character of social phenomena
3. Differentiate interpretation of social phenomena from their explanation
4. Explain the connection between individual and collective explanation levels of social phenomena
5. Explicate the basic structure of social scientific explanations
6. Name and explain the basic causal patterns ("mechanisms") underlying social phenomena (selfishness and altruism, rational choice, unintended consequences, collective beliefs and collective decision making, norms and institutions)
7. Identify valid explanations of social phenomena and differentiate them from pseudo-explanations
Study Program Learning Outcomes
4. Complementary Skills
4.01. active command of one foreign language in academic communication in general
4.03. utilisation of basic computer skills
1. Knowledge and Comprehension of
1.01. the distinctive features of academic philosophy with its standard disciplines. problems. theories and methods
1.09. standard philosophical terminology
2. Competencies
2.01. the ability to interpret and evaluate philosophical concepts. arguments and theories
2.02. the ability to critically read and interpret philosophical. especially classical. texts
2.04. the ability to apply philosophical knowledge and techniques in solving various philosophical problems
2.05. the ability to recognize the interdisciplinary character of philosophy and its relevance for other areas of knowledge. as well as for upholding a series of moral. social and cultural values
3. Research and Presentation
3.01. the ability to independently read and critically analyse simpler philosophical texts
3.02. the ability to prepare and deliver simpler philosophical presentations and written compositions in a clear and organised manner
3.03. the ability to take part in philosophical and non-philosophical academic discussions in a constructive manner

Week by Week Schedule
1. Introductory lecture: basic information: course objectives, learning methods, student's obligations, credits, and grading
Social world, social ontology, social sciences
2. Behavior, action, agency
3. Groups as agents
4. Questions and explanations in social sciences
5. Questions and explanations in social sciences (cont.)
6. Basic elements of science
7. Structure of social scientific explanation
8. Laws and mechanisms
9. Interpretation as explanation: eliciting human motives
10. Self-interest and altruism
11. Rational choice
12. Strategic interactions and game theory
13. Unintended consequences
14. Collective belief formation
15. Collective action and collective decision making

1. , Jon Elster (2015). Explaining Social Behavior, Cambridge University Press
   Todd Donovan, Kenneth R. Hoover (2013). The Elements of
   Social Scientific Thinking, Cengage Learning
   John A Perry, Erna K Perry (2016). Contemporary Society, Routledge
   Christian List, Philip Pettit (2011). Group Agency, Oxford University Press
   Mark Risjord (2014). Philosophy of Social Science, Routledge von Wright Georg Henrik (2013). Explanation and Understanding, Routledge, , , .

KOM (2945) - Izborni kolegiji 1. - Regular studij - Communication Studies
KOM (2945) - Izborni kolegiji 1. - Regular studij - Communication Studies

KOM (2945) - Izborni kolegiji 1. - Regular studij - Communication Studies
KOM (2945) - Izborni kolegiji 1. - Regular studij - Communication Studies

KOM (2945) - Izborni kolegiji 1. - Regular studij - Communication Studies
KOM (2945) - Izborni kolegiji 1. - Regular studij - Communication Studies

KOM (2945) - Izborni kolegiji 1. - Regular studij - Communication Studies
KOM (2945) - Izborni kolegiji 1. - Regular studij - Communication Studies

KOM (2945) - Izborni kolegiji 1. - Regular studij - Communication Studies
KOM (2945) - Izborni kolegiji 1. - Regular studij - Communication Studies

KOM (2945) - Izborni kolegiji 1. - Regular studij - Communication Studies
KOM (2945) - Izborni kolegiji 1. - Regular studij - Communication Studies