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 136-036 Philosophy of Science

Note

Formerly available as 136-220/320. Students who have completed 136-220/320 Philosophy of Science are not eligible to enrol in this subject. To receive third year Science credit, a student should enrol in 136-336 Philosophy of Science for Scientists.

Availability

2nd and 3rd year

Credit Points

12.5

Coordinator

To be advised.

Prerequisites

Normally 12.5 points of first year HPS see Prerequisites

Semester

1 (view timetable)

Contact

Between 10 and 12 weekly tutorials and between 20 and 24 lectures, normally two per week

Subject Description

This subject explores the history and logic of such major scientific theories as Newtonian mechanics or evolution. It will critically examine both scientists' actual behaviour and philosophical accounts of how science should be done. Students who complete this subject should: acquire an understanding of such philosophical/scientific issues as 'what is the nature of space and time'; can biology be 'reduced' to physics?', or 'do good scientists sometimes ignore scientific evidence?'; acquire an understanding of how method and theories in the sciences have changed over the centuries; gain a background in the philosophy and history of science on which to base further study in the area.

Assessment

Written work totalling 4000 words.



Search : Index : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science
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Next 136-037 Issues in the Modern Life Sciences
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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au