IAS2001

Thinking about science

(ART)

6 points + 3 hours per week + First semester + Peninsula + Flexible mode in first semester or during the summer + Prerequisites: First year level subjects to the value of 12 points in each of a science and a humanities subject; or background in philosophy, science or engineering by permission + Prohibition: PHL2210

Synopsis: The subject will look at the growth of scientific theories from the standpoint of three humanities disciplines - history, philosophy and sociology - using a case study method. On completing the subject students will have an acquaintance with several important dvelopments in the history of science, and have thought about issues in the philosophy of science and sociology of knowledge.

Assessment: Essay-style report on a research project taken in one of the case-study areas (1500-2000 words): 20% + Presentation in class: 10% + Short answers (maximum 600 words): 30% + One-hour examination: 40%