PHL3870

Science and society: knowledge and power

Proposed to be offered next in 1999

Richard Holton

8 points
* 2 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: Completion of two first-year sequences in disciplines offered in BA (SocSc)

Objectives Students completing this subject should have an understanding of the differences and similarities between the methodology of the social sciences and that of the natural sciences. They should have an understanding of the issues involved in claims that the social sciences can or cannot be value-free; and they should be in a position to make their own evaluation of the matter. They should have an understanding of the different doctrines meant by `relativism' and of the bearing of findings from the social sciences on them.

Synopsis The subject will examine some central philosophical theories concerning the nature and structure of examplanation, within both the natural sciences and the social sciences. The subject will also consider the role of ethics in social science and the ethics of social science. This will involve an assessment of the case for and the case against cultural relativism.

Assessment Two essays (3000 words each): 50% each
* One essay may optionally be replaced by a 3-hour examination

Prescribed text

A collection of readings available from the department and on reserve in the Sir Louis Matheson Library