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Philosophers have traditionally construed scientific knowledge as achieved and assessed by individual knowers. Some recent theorists have instead placed greater emphasis upon the epistemic significance of scientific communities, disciplines, or practices and taken seriously the social and cultural context of scientific research. This course examines and assesses some of the more prominent alternatives that emphasize the social dimensions of scientific knowledge, including the sociology of scien tific knowledge, social epistemology, feminist science studies, and cultural studies of science. The concept of the social will itself receives critical attention in its purported contrasts to what is individual, natural, rational, or cultural.
Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.
COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion
Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS PHIL Grading Mode: Student Option
Prerequisites: NONE
Last Updated on MAR-26-2001
Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459