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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science

136-105 Science, Philosophy and History

Credit Points:

When taken from History and Philosophy of Science, Faculty of Arts:
12.5 1st year
When taken from History and Philosophy of Science, Faculty of Science:
12.5

Coordinator:

Dr Neil Thomason

Timetable:

Semester 2

Contact:

Up to three hours of lectures, seminars or tutorials a week

Objectives:

Students completing this subject will come to a fuller understanding that Science is a remarkably complex and often beautiful result of a complex set of forces: conceptual considerations, empirical evidence, detailed critiques, as well as economic, social and individual factors. Students will better understand such vital philosophical issues as 'can Science prove a theory is true?' and 'what, if anything, is wrong with pseudo-science?' and historical and political issues as how closely do real scientists follow the 'scientific method?', 'is it ever reasonable to not believe what scientists say?', and 'what ought the role of science to be in society?'.

Content:

Readings and discussions from the history, sociology and philosophy of science.

Assessment:

One mini-paper per tutorial (totalling no more that 2000 words) and one major end of semester essay of about 2000 words.

Prescribed Texts:

A collection of readings.

  • Hacking I, Representing and Intervening
  • Poundstone W, Labyrinths of Reason
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
Last Modified:            Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm
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Authorised by:            Academic Registrar
Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.