PHIL 144:Introduction to the Philosophy of Natural and Social Science
Spring Semester 2014 | Evening | Harbour Centre
INSTRUCTOR: Simon Pollon (scp4@sfu.ca)
REQUIRED TEXT
- Introductory Readings in the Philosophy of Science, 3rd edition. E.D. Klemke (ed.) 1998. Prometheus books.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
It is not uncommon to believe that Science is our most successful tool for discovering the true nature of the world. However, what justifies our confidence in the scientific project? In this course we will examine a number of questions unpacking this broad concern. Among these questions may be: What constitutes the ‘Scientific Method’? Is there just one ‘Scientific Method’? How do we confirm of disconfirm Scientific Theories? Should we accept scientific theories as providing true accounts of the nature of reality? How do we gather and assess evidence in Science? What constitutes evidence in Science? How are the various Sciences related? How can, and can one, distinguish a science from a pseudo-science?
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Participation -10%
- First essay -15%
- Midterm -20%
- Second essay -25%
- Final Exam -30%
Prerequisites: Philosophy 144 has no prerequisites. Philosophy 144 may be applied toward one of the B-Science and the B-Humanities requirements, and to the Certificate in Liberal Arts.