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SISP205
Natural Science as Social Knowledge
SISP205 FA
Crosslistings: PHIL235, WMST214
Next Offered in 9798 FA
Philosophical theories of knowledge which emphasize that
knowledge is achieved and assessed by individual knowers
have difficulty accounting for the epistemic significance of
scientific communities and disciplines, and of the wider
social and cultural context of scientific research. This
course will examine and assess some prominent alternatives
that interpret scientific knowledge as social rather than
individual knowledge. Among the most prominently considered
alternatives will be the sociology of scientific knowledge,
social epistemology, feminist science studies, and cultural
studies of science.
MAJOR READINGS
Substantial selections from:
H. Collins, CHANGING ORDER
B. Latour & S. Woolgar, LABORATORY LIFE
F. Schmitt, SOCIALIZING EPISTEMOLOGY
A. Fausto-Sterling, MYTHS OF GENDER
S. Harding, THE RACIAL ECONOMY OF SCIENCE
A. Pickering, SCIENCE AS PRACTICE AND CULTURE
J. Rouse, KNOWLEDGE AND POWER
Plus shorter readings by:
R.Merton, D. Bloor & B. Barnes, I Hacking, M. Callon,
J. Hardwig, S. Fuller, R. Proctor, C. Patton, and D.
Haraway
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Three to four (3-4) papers;
possibly discussion group reports and/or short reading
response papers.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
Students majoring
in Science in Society may count this course as an
alternative to SISP203.
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: Discussion Lecture
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level: UG Credit: 1.00
Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS PHIL
Prerequisites:
None
Last Updated on MAR-10-1997
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