136-044 Current Issues in Philosophy of Science

Formerly available as 136-238/338. Students who have completed 136-238 or 136-338 Current Issues in the History and Philosophy of Science are not eligible to enrol in this subject. For science third year, see 136-344 Current Issues in Phil of Science (Sci3).

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

This subject deals with current research in the philosophy of science. Its subject matter can range from philosophical critiques of evolutionary theory to medical history to the role of science in debates about the environment. This subject will focus on the ideas of the natural, naturalism and naturalisation, as they occur in current philosophical thinking about science. Among the topics dealt with will be the question of whether animals have minds and whether the human mind is a result of evolution.

• have experience of thinking systematically about difficult intellectual problems of an abstract nature;

• have practice conducting research, speaking articulately, writing clearly and reading with attention to detail.

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising a 1500 word essay 30% (due mid-semester) and a 2500 word essay 70% (due at the end of semester).