PHIL2057 Philosophy of Science
Later Year Course
| Offered By | School of Philosophy |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Undergraduate |
| Course Subject | Philosophy |
| Offered in | Second Semester, 2012 |
| Unit Value | 6 units |
| Course Description |
In this course, we will address a range of philosophical problems raised by scientific knowledge and its status. The problems examined will fall into roughly two kinds, one about the methods of science, and the other philosophical puzzles about what science describes. Problems of the first kind include the justification of scientific inferences, the connection between observation and theory, and how to understand progress in science. Problems of the second kind include puzzles about laws of nature, causation and probability. |
| Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. Identify philosophical issues about the methods of science. 2. Understand and explain puzzles about what science describes and seeks to explain. 3. Evaluate some rival theories about scientific method and the metaphysics of science. 4. Understand arguements for and against contentious views in the philosophy of science. 5. Articulate positions and arguments in tutorial discussions. |
| Indicative Assessment |
One 2,000 word essay, 40% (Learning outcomes 1, 3, and 4) One 2,000 word essay 50% (Learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4) Tutorial performance 10% (Learning outcomes 1-5) |
| Workload | 20 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials. Students are also expected to spend 7 hours a week on private study and assessment preparation. |
| Areas of Interest | Philosophy |
| Requisite Statement |
Two courses in Philosophy, Science, or Mathematics. |
| Prescribed Texts | Bird, Alexander. 1998. Philosophy of Science. McGill-Queen's University Press, Montreal. |
| Majors/Specialisations | Philosophy |
| Programs | Bachelor of Science (Science Communication) |
| Science Group | B |
| Academic Contact | Prof Daniel Nolan |
The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.
