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Academic Year 2005/2006

Sciences as Social and Cultural Practices
SISP 205 FA
Crosslistings:
PHIL 288

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 scientific 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.

MAJOR READINGS

Substantial selections from M. Biagioli, ed. SCIENCE STUDIES READER, plus extensive on-line reserve reading.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three to four papers.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Students majoring in Science in Society may count this course as their required sociocultural studies of science course.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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