Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

The analysis of controversies over knowledge claims in science - claims about data, instruments, techniques, theories and world-views - reveals the provisional, revisable and dynamic character of scientific knowledge. This often results in controversies within one or more disciplines, the resolution of which may be the inclusion, removal or modification of what is accepted by the scientific community as valid knowledge. Student will gain a familiarity with several competing interpretations of this process and how these may be applied to a range of past and present controversies drawn primarily from the earth sciences.

Assessment

Written work: 70% (3500 words)
Tutorial exercises: 30%

Chief examiner(s)

Homer Le Grand

Contact hours

2 hour (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Philosophy

Prerequisites

12 points in Philosophy, History or Social Sciences, or 18 points in Science at any level.