Unit name | Philosophy of Natural and Social Science |
---|---|
Unit code | PHIL30086 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Grose |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of Philosophy |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit is available for IBAMH students only.
This unit introduces some of the most important issues in the philosophy of science to those with no prior knowledge of philosophy (and very little scientific knowledge will be necessary). Issues that will be addressed include: Is there a single scientific method in common to all the physical and social sciences? What is the difference between a science (such as physics) and a so-called pseudo-science (such as homeopathy)? Is the progress of science a cumulative process or do so-called scientific revolutions show that it is discontinuous? Is the process by which scientific theories become accepted a rational one? Should we be committed to believing that our best theories give a true description of the world?
By the end of the unit, students will be expected to be able to:
1 hour lecture and 1 hour seminar per week
Summative: One 3 hour exam and one formative essay
Key Reading:
Alexander Bird and James Ladyman (eds) Arguing About Science