Science: its nature and development
Proposed to be offered next in 1996
John Bigelow
8 points * 3 hours per week * Clayton * Prerequisites: First-year sequence in philosophy or at least twelve points of subjects from the Faculty of Science
The subject will examine the nature of science and scientific change through an historical case study of the development of theories of reproduction and heredity. The subject will not presuppose any knowledge of modern cell theory or genetics. Attention will be given to the extent to which scientific change is driven by logical reasoning, by experimentation, by personal idiosyncrasies of individual scientists, and by social and political pressures in the historical context in which scientists work.
Assessment
Two essays (2500-3500 words each): 40% each * Examination (1 hour): 20% * Optional replacement of one essay by a 2-hour examination
Prescribed texts
Chalmers A What is this thing called science? UQP