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 136-031 Science, Philosophy and History

Note

Formerly available as 136-105. Students who have completed 136-105 Science Philosophy and History are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Credit Points

12.5

HECS Band

1

Coordinator

Dr Neil Thomason

Semester

2 (view timetable)

Contact

Up to 36 hours of tutorials and lectures

Subject Description

In this subject students will deal with such vital philosophical issues as Can science prove a theory is true? What, if anything, is wrong with pseudo-science? Students will also tackle historical and political issues such as Is it ever reasonable to not believe what scientists say? What should science's role in society be? The readings are from the history, sociology and philosophy of science. Students completing this subject should better understand that science is a remarkably complex and often beautiful result of an intricate set of forces - conceptual and experimental but also economic, social and individual factors.

Assessment

Written work totalling 4000 words.

Prescribed Texts

A subject reader will be available.

  • Chalmers, What is This Thing Called Science?. (3rd ed).


Search : Index : Faculty of Arts : History and philosophy of science
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Status:                   Official 2001
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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au