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

136-229/329 Upheavals in Scientific Thought

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:

Professor Homer Le Grand

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 develop:

  • detailed knowledge of both philosophical and sociological frameworks for the analysis of cumulative and revolutionary change in science;

  • practice in applying these frameworks to historical and contemporary instances of scientific change;

  • skills in the critical analysis of scientific publications;

  • improved written and oral communicative skills.

Content:

Historical, philosophical and sociological aspects of revolutions in scientific thought. Case studies to be examined include the 'modern revolution' in the earth sciences and the on-going controversy about the 'death of the dinosaurs'.

Assessment:

A 3-hour examination at the end of the second semester. Exemption may be earned by satisfactory performance on prescribed written work (1 essay of 1500 words 30%; 1 essay 2500 words 45%, tutorial exercises 25%) not exceeding 5000 words.

Prescribed Texts:

  • Kuhn TS, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
  • Riggs P, The Whys and Ways of Science
  • Le Grand H, Drifting Continents and Shifting Theories
  • Hallam A, Great Geological Controversies
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
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Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.