PHIL2120 — Philosophy and Scientific Thought
PHIL 2120 - Philosophy and Scientific Thought PHIL 2120 - Philosophy and Scientific Thought 3 Credits Examines the question “what is science” by exploring philosophical issues concerning the nature of scientific knowledge. Topics may include the nature of scientific methodology and explanation, the confirmation and falsification of scientific theories, the status of unobservable entities in scientific theories, the relationships between different scientific fields, the relationship between science and other forms of knowledge, and the impact of science and technology on society. No specific background in a scientific field is required. Major Content Areas Examine the metaphysics and meaning of scientific results and claims such as what the nature of scientific laws is, how to understand unobservable, theoretical terms, and what the nature of explanation in science is. 25% Analyze and critique the impact of science on society. 25% Examine methodology: how science arrives at its claims and critical evaluation of the rationales for these methods. 25% Examine specific foundational questions in specific sciences (e.g. what is the nature of explanation in evolutionary biology; what is “information” or “causality” in biology, physics or psychology; what is the relationship between neuroscience and psychology? 25% Learning