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Academic Year 2001/2002


Meaning, Metaphor, and Science
SISP 367 FA

Crosslistings:
PHIL 367

An advanced seminar in philosophy of science and cultural theory, the course will draw upon recent work in the philosophy of language and of science to establish connections and explore similarities and differences between philosophical studies of the meaningfulness of scientific concepts, theories, and laws, and theoretical and methodological studies of cultural interpretation. These discussions will provide the background for a critical reading of some recent cultural and historical studies of scientific practices.

MAJOR READINGS

Readings will consist mostly of short articles; authors read for theoretical background will be: N. Goodman, W.V. Quine, C. Taylor, C. Geertz, D. Davidson, P. Rabinow, S. Wheeler, J. Bond, I. Hacking, J. Rouse. The cultural studies discussed at the end of the course will be taken from work by Donna Haraway, E.F. Keller, H.J. Rheinberger, Paul Rabinow, and/or Paula Treichler.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Seminar presentations, and two or perhaps three papers.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

There are no specific prerequisites for the course, but students should not enroll in the course without prior study of at least one of the following: philosophy of science, social studies of science, philosophy of language or mind, anthropological theory, literary theory. Students whose background is primarily in theoretical traditions outside of philosophy should be prepared to approach familiar issues using unfamiliar vocabularies and perspectives. Unless preregistered students attend the firs t 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

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS PHIL    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2002


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