PHL2210

Thinking about science

(ART)

John Bigelow

6 points + 2 hours per week + First semester + Clayton + This subject is also offered in Distance Mode in every semester + Prerequisites: A first-year subject in Philosophy or first-year level subjects to the value of 12 points in a Science subject

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 developments in the history of science, and have thought about issues in the philosophy of science and the sociology of knowledge. They will also have read Thomas Kuhn's The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, and so have encountered one of the most important books on science written in the 20th Century. Three case studies will be presented. In addition students will undertake an individual case study under supervision.

Assessment: Two exercises (750 words): 10% each + Essay (2000 words): 50% + Examination (1 hour): 30% + Students will have the option of replacing one or both of the exercises by participation in an on-line discussion via the portals interface