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 136-034 Science, Life and Mind

Note

Formerly available as 136-203/303. Students who have gained credit for 136-203/303 Science, Life and Mind are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Available at levels 2 and 3, except in Science (level 2 only). For Science level 3, see 136-334.

Credit Points

12.5

HECS Band

1

Coordinator

Dr Neil Thomason

Prerequisites

Normally 75 points of level 1 study.

Semester

2 (view timetable)

Contact

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

Subject Description

Science depends on people being able to rationally investigate reality. Recent advances in cognitive psychology and evolutionary theory enable us to better understand how human rationality is possible and thus how science is possible. This subject deals with such historical and philosophical questions as: How do scientists determine the standard for good reasoning? What are those standards? How accurate are their judgements? On successful completion of this subject students should be familiar with the major philosophical theories of rationality; with the psychological, sociological and biological evidence regarding human rationality and irrationality; and have developed a better understanding of the relationships between the philosophical, biological, and psychological positions.

Assessment

Written work totalling 4000 words.

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