Course Description
The logical structure of scientific hypotheses and/or laws, and the problems of their meaning and confirmation; the general patterns of scientific explanation; and the ideals of prediction and control.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be held to higher standards than
undergraduates in their written and oral performances. Additional
requirements might include additional papers, discussion posts or
reading responses, longer papers, papers with more intensive
research requirements, research presentations to the class, and
individual or group consultations with the instructor.
Athena Title
Philosophy of Natural Science
Prerequisite
PHIL 2010 or PHIL 2010H or PHIL 2010E or any 3000-level PHIL course or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
A mastery of important concepts, positions, and arguments concerning the structure of scientific theories and the nature of justificatory arguments in physical and biological science, and the philosophical implications of these sciences. Students are expected to develop the ability to read and understand historical and contemporary sources, and the ability to write clear and reasoned discussion essays. Communicating effectively through writing and speech, relevant use of the computer, and critical thinking are all stressed. During the course the student should be improving in each of these skill areas.
Topical Outline
Topics may include: I. Philosophy of Physical Science II. Philosophy of Biological Science