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 136-416 Beyond Realism and Relativism: The New Pragmatist Philosophy of Science

Credit Points

16.7 4th year

Coordinator

Dr Howard Sankey

Prerequisites

Honours standing

Semester

1

Contact

2 hours seminar/lecture per week

Subject Description

The subject will introduce students to key themes in contemporary debate in philosophy of science emerging from the opposition between scientific realism and epistemological relativism. Particular attention will be devoted to the recent emergence of neo-Pragmatist positions in the philosophy of science, with special reference made to the writings of such philosophers as Ian Hacking, Larry Laudan, Bill Lycan, Hilary Putnam, Nicholas Rescher, Richard Rorty and Stephen Stich. Some examination of classic pragmatist authors (C.S. Peirce, John Dewey, William James) will also be undertaken.

Assessment

5,000 words written work



Search : Index : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science
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Status:                   Official 1998
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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au