Upon successful completion of this course, students will know key concepts and problems in the philosophy of science in relation to business studies, have developed the capacity to critically evaluate and defend concepts and approaches in management and organization theory with regards to fundamental problems in the philosophy of science, and have started developing their capacity to employ different research traditions in their own research projects.
Prof. dr. Christopher Wickert
Christopher Wickert is a Full Professor and Chair of Corporate Social Responsibility as well as Director of the VU Business & Society Knowledge Hub. He is also Research Director of the Department of Management & Organization at VU Amsterdam.
His research examines corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate sustainability as well as the broader relationship between business and society by drawing on various strands of organization and management theory.
Christopher obtained his PhD in Management from the University of Lausanne in Switzerland in 2013. During his doctoral studies, he has also conducted research and taught at University of Zurich, University of St. Gallen and at IESE Business School in Barcelona.
Course Description
This course aims to explore questions in the philosophy of science and to discuss them in relation to examples from different areas of business studies, with a particular focus given on understanding differences and similarities of the positivistic, interpretative, and critical approaches to management research.
Among the key questions addressed and discussed within the course are:
- What is science?
- How do we decide what is scientific and what is not?
- How can we demarcate science from other activities?
- What are the ontological foundations, goals and epistemological interests of different scientific paradigms?
- What are the philosophical problems that are particular to business research?
- Can science be objective and value-free?
- What are implications for theory development?
Download the course manual here.
Study Characteristics
- Study period: September 2026 – October 2026 (Period 1)
- Credits: 3 ECTS
- Tuition fee: €750 (20% discount for early bird registration)
- Registration deadline: 27-08-2026 (early bird registration: 26-07-2026)
- Recommendation: This is an ideal course for first year students.
- Teaching methods: Weekly: One 2-hour session during 6 weeks of interactive lectures and
discussions including student team presentations. Students need to come prepared (reading literature and writing a short essay each week). - Assessment: Individual essays (50%), team presentations (15%), class participation (5%), final assignment (30%)
- Target audience: This course is only available for research master and PhD students in business and management or related fields
- Admission requirements: All participating students are expected to be proficient in English.
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Course Description & Study Characteristics
Course Description
This course aims to explore questions in the philosophy of science and to discuss them in relation to examples from different areas of business studies, with a particular focus given on understanding differences and similarities of the positivistic, interpretative, and critical approaches to management research.
Among the key questions addressed and discussed within the course are:
- What is science?
- How do we decide what is scientific and what is not?
- How can we demarcate science from other activities?
- What are the ontological foundations, goals and epistemological interests of different scientific paradigms?
- What are the philosophical problems that are particular to business research?
- Can science be objective and value-free?
- What are implications for theory development?
Download the course manual here.
Study Characteristics
- Study period: September 2026 – October 2026 (Period 1)
- Credits: 3 ECTS
- Tuition fee: €750 (20% discount for early bird registration)
- Registration deadline: 27-08-2026 (early bird registration: 26-07-2026)
- Recommendation: This is an ideal course for first year students.
- Teaching methods: Weekly: One 2-hour session during 6 weeks of interactive lectures and
discussions including student team presentations. Students need to come prepared (reading literature and writing a short essay each week). - Assessment: Individual essays (50%), team presentations (15%), class participation (5%), final assignment (30%)
- Target audience: This course is only available for research master and PhD students in business and management or related fields
- Admission requirements: All participating students are expected to be proficient in English.
Would you like to register or want to know more?
Please register with the Apply Now button at the top of this page. For more info please contact the course coordinator dr. Christopher Wickert: