136-333 Science, Reason and Reality (Science 3)

Formerly taught as 136-202/302/317. Students who have completed 136-202/302/317 are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Students cannot gain credit for both this subject and 136-033. Only available at science third year; for other levels see 136-033 Science, Reason and Reality. This subject is based on 136-033 but involves additional work.

Two second-year HPS subjects.

This subject addresses some of the central issues in the philosophy of science. It will raise questions. What is the difference between science and non-science? Is there a universal scientific method or do the methods employed by scientists vary historically? Is scientific theory change a rational process? Is science objective? Do scientific theories inform us of the truth about the world? Students who take this class will have knowledge of the major themes of recent and contemporary philosophical thinking about science. They will also have experience of the methods of critical analysis and argument employed in the philosophy of science and a background on which to base further study in the area.

• 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 6000 words comprising an essay of 1500 words 25% (due mid-semester), an essay of 2000 words 35% (due at the end of semester) and an essay of 2500 words 40% (due at the end of the examination period).

• A Chalmers, What is this thing called science?.
• M Curd & J A Cover, Philosophy of science: the central issues.
• I Hacking, Representing and intervening.