136-336 Philosophy of Science (Science 3)

Formerly available as 136-220/307/320. Students who have completed 136-220/307/320 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Students cannot gain credit for both this subject and 136-220/320 before 1999 or 136-036 after 1998. Only available at science third year; for other levels, see 136-036 Philosophy of Science. This subject is based on 136-036 but involves additional work.

Usually two second-year HPS subjects.

This subject explores the history and logic of major scientific theories such as Newtonian mechanics or evolution. It will critically evaluate scientists' and others' philosophical accounts of how science should be done, as well as scientists' actual behaviour. Specific content may vary from year to year. Students should contact the department to ascertain the precise subject matter. Students completing this subject should acquire an understanding of how methods and theories in the sciences have changed over the centuries and gain a background in the philosophy and history of science on which to base further study in the area.

Written work totalling 6000 words.