PHIL 160 - Philosophy of Science

5 CR

Surveys various approaches to scientific thought, using examples from the history of science and philosophy. Students look critically at concepts of scientific method, scientific laws, casualty, determinism, indeterminism, pseudo-science, and prediction/confirmation/induction.

Course Outcomes

Formulate, clarify, and evaluate arguments.
Identify and explain central philosophical issues concerning science.
Explain the problem of induction and various attempts to address it.
Discuss the nature of theories and models in science.
Evaluate varieties of scientific realism and anti-realism.
Explain what a paradigm is and discuss the philosophical implications of paradigm shifts in scientific revolutions.
Diagnose the flaws in pseudo-scientific “explanations.”

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