136-034 Science, Life and Mind

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. For science third year, see 136-334 Science, Life and Mind (Science 3).

Usually 75 points of first-year study across any discipline areas.

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.

• develop skills in written and oral communication;

• conduct independent research;

• make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument;

• form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising of a 250 word paper 6% (due week 4); a 750 word paper 19% (due week 8); and a 3000 word paper 75% (due at the end of semester).