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Philosophy of Science
SISP202 SP
Crosslistings: PHIL234
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 g
iven 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:
Lecture/Discussion
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level:
UGRD
Credit:
1
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA PHIL
Grading Mode:
Student Option
Prerequisites:
NONE
Last Updated on MAR-24-2000
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459