| Unit name | Introduction to the Philosophy of Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHIL10015 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Grose |
| Open unit status | Open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Philosophy |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
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 cummulative process or do so-called scientific evolutions show that it is discontinuous? Is the process by which scientific theories become accepted a rational one?
Key reading:
Samir Okasha Introduction to Philosophy of Science
Alexander Bird and James Ladyman (eds) Arguing About Science
