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SISP202
Philosophy of Science
SISP202 SP
Crosslistings: PHIL234
Not Currently Offered
This course is a basic introduction to the philosophy of
science. Topics include the relation between finished
theories or explanations and ongoing research, the
recognition and dissemination of discoveries, the
justification of scientific claims, conceptual and technical
("revolutionary") change in the science, the significance of
instrumentation, experiment and artifice in science, and
possible differences between the natural sciences and the
study of human beings. Considerable attention will be given
to examples of scientific practice, both historical and
contemporary.
MAJOR READINGS
Carl Hempel, PHILOSOPHY OF NATURAL SCIENCE
Thomas Kuhn, THE STRUCTURE OF SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTIONS
Ian Hacking, REPRESENTING AND INTERVENING
Bruno Latour, SCIENCE IN ACTION
plus photocopies.
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
One take-home examination, two
medium length papers, short ungraded papers weekly; informed
participation in class discussion.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
This is a required
course for students in the Science in Society Program, but
is not limited to SISP students.
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: HA PHIL
Prerequisites:
None
Last Updated on MAR-22-1999
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459