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

136-202/302 Science, Reason and Reality

Credit Points:

When taken from History and Philosophy of Science, Faculty of Arts:
16.7 2nd and 3rd year
When taken from History and Philosophy of Science, Faculty of Science:
12.5

Coordinator:

Dr Howard Sankey

Prerequisite/s:

Normally 12.5 points of first-year HPS.

Timetable:

Semester 2

Contact:

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

Objectives:

Students completing this subject should:

  • have familiarity with major themes within recent and contemporary philosophy of science;

  • have experience with methods of critical analysis and argument employed within the philosophy of science;

  • have a background in the philosophy of science on which to base further study in the area.

Content:

Introduction to recent and contemporary philosophy of science, including such topics as the justification of scientific method, rationalism vs. relativism, problems of scientific objectivity and truth, theory-dependence of observation, the processes of scientific theory-change.

Assessment:

Written work of up to 5000 words and a 2-hour examination. Exemption from the examination may be granted for satisfactory class and written work.

Prescribed Texts:

  • Chalmers A F, What is this Thing Called Science?
  • Riggs P, The Whys and Ways of Science
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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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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.