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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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