ATS2867 - Thinking about science - 2017

Unit looks at the growth of scientific theories from the standpoint of three humanities disciplines - history, philosophy and sociology - using a case study method. On completion, 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 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 C. Three case studies will be presented and students will undertake an individual case study under supervision.

1. Have an understanding of major theoretical approaches to the nature of science;
2. Have familiarity with a variety of case studies in the history of science;
3. Have improved their skills in analysing and interpreting philosophical texts;
4. Have developed some skills in reading and analysing historical scientific texts;
5. Have developed skills in criticising philosophical accounts of scientific progress.

Within semester assessment: 75% + Exam: 25%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Sam Butchart

Philosophy