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 136-043 Controversies in Science

Note

Formerly available as 136-229/329. Students who have completed 136-229/329 Upheavals in Scientific Thought are not eligible to enrol in this subject. To receive third year Science credit, a student should enrol in 136-343 Scientific Controversies (Science).

Availability

2nd and 3rd year

Credit Points

12.5

Coordinator

Prof.Homer Le Grand

Prerequisites

Normally 12.5 points of first year HPS see Prerequisites

Semester

2 (view timetable)

Contact

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

Subject Description

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

Assessment

A 4-hour examination. Exemption may be earned by satisfactory performance on prescribed written work totalling 4000 words.

Prescribed Texts

  • T Kuhn, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.
  • P Riggs, The Whys and Ways of Science.
  • H Le Grand, Drifting Continents and Shifting Theories.


Search : Index : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science
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Status:                   Official 1999
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