PHIL230

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PHIL230

Reason and Paradox PHIL230 SP

Not Currently Offered

This course is intended to be an introduction to the philosophy, logic and conceptual issues underlying the foundations of the natural and social sciences. We will focus on six paradoxes: Zeno's Paradox, about the concepts of space, time and motion; the Liar Paradox, about the notions of truth and reference; the Sorites Paradox, about the notion of vagueness; the Prisoner's Dilemma, about the possibility of rational action; Arrow's Paradox, about the possibility of political representation; and a surprise paradox to be announced in class. Paradoxes are studied as an introduction to the nature of rationality for two reasons. First, paradoxes are simply fun. In most cases, they are simple to state, but difficult to solve. But second, paradoxes are serious. Unlike Sunday-supplement puzzles and brain teasers, the paradoxes we will look at raise deep problems. Historically, they are associated with crises in thought and revolutionary advances. To grapple with them is not merely to engage in an intellectual game, but requires learning to think hard, and precisely, about some of the most difficult and fundamental concepts of the sciences and philosophy.

MAJOR READINGS

Selections from some classic texts.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

During the semester there will be two kinds of assignments that alternate with one another. The first consists of short papers on questions that will be set in class. The second consists of problem sets that can be solved on computer. Lastly, there will be a take-home final examination.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THOSE REGISTERING FOR SECTION 2: This section requires more problem sets and papers than Section 1. 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-22-1999

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