PHIL 0065. Introduction to the Philosophy of Science

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
The philosophical foundations of science such as criteria for distinguishing between science and pseudo-science, questions concerning scientific progress, justification of scientific hypotheses, the theory-dependence of observation, the nature of scientific revolutions, the possibility of objectivity and the challenges of relativism, feminism and marginalization. (CSU, UC)

PHIL 0065 - Introduction to the Philosophy of Science

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/phil-0065/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Hours: 54 lecture Description: The philosophical foundations of science such as criteria for distinguishing between science and pseudo-science, questions concerning scientific progress, justification of scientific hypotheses, the theory-dependence of observation, the nature of scientific revolutions, the possibility of objectivity and the challenges of relativism, feminism and marginalization. (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Describe and analyze the relationship between philosophy and science. Evaluate descriptions of scientific methodology. Describe, compare and contrast the logic of science with focus on verificationism, falsificationism, realism, and nominalism. Communicate effectively orally or in writing on a topic in philosophy of science Course Content Outline I. Defining Science A. Science vs. Pseudo-Science 1. The Scientific Method 2. Objectivity 3. Repeatability 4. Scientific Hope versus Religious Faith B. Non-Scientific Traditions 1. Religious Knowledge 2. Artistic Expression II. Scientific Knowledge A. Empiricism B. The Progressive Nature of Science III. The Possibility of Justification A. Inductive Reasoning and Hume B. Falsifiability C. Theory-Ladeness of Observation IV. Scientific Revolutions A. Kuhn and the Structures of Scientific Revolutions B. Criticisms of Kuhn's position V. Ideal Science and Scientific Practice A. The Possibility of Objectivity B. Feminist Criticisms of Science 1. Feminist Empiricist Epistemologies 2. Feminist Standpoint Theory 3. Feminist Methodologies C. Social Construction Theories and Values within Science 1. The Relationship between Science and Sexuality & Race/Ethnicity VI. The Role and Value of Science in Contemporary Society Course Objectives Course Objectives Through oral and written activities, students will: 1. Describe and appraise criteria for theories being scientific; 2. Identify and present examples of theories as either scientific or pseudoscientific found in popular media; 3. Compare and contrast knowledge production within scientific traditions as opposed to knowledge production within non-scientific traditions; 4. Examine and evaluate philosophical positions concerning: a) the justification of induction, b) the limitations of falsification techniques, c) the theory dependence of observation, d) the social practice of science versus the ideals of science, e) the possibility of objectivity, f) feminist, gay/lesbian, race-identified, and marginalized criticisms of the philosophical foundations of both the social practice of science and ideal science; 5. Identify and evaluate the social constructionist approach to truth; 6. Explain feminist approaches to science; 7. Employ feminist research theory to critique examples of scientific experiments; 8. Describe the value and role of scientific inquiry in knowledge production. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Objective Examinations Projects Reports Reading Assignments 1. Read the chapter from your Philosophy of Science text book on Popper's Falsificationism and be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Read the book, "Monkey Girl" and be prepared to discuss the role of falsificationism in the trial described in "Monkey Girl." Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. The Triumph of Evolution and the Failure of Creationism by Niles Eldredge Evolution vs Creationism Chart Instructions: Construct a poster-board size chart explaining Creationist Criticisms of evolutionary theory as well as the scientific responses to these criticisms. The titles of the criticisms appear below. Note that you must thoroughly explain the criticisms as well as the response to it. Your chart will be graded based upon organization, clarity, specificity, and neatness. Below is a sample chart for your consideration. Your chart must address each of the following criticisms. 1. Science and Religion are alternative belief systems and we should let the kids decide which they prefer. 2. Evolution is just a theory and it is challenged more and more. 3. Evolution is not science since it makes no predictions a. Events in the past are not subject to experimental verification or falsification. b. Few biologists will predict the next evolutionary step because evolution has no prediction-ability. 4. Science has not yet fully solved the riddle of how life originated. 5. The Cambrian Explosion shows that gradual evolution did not take place. 6. What about the gaps in the fossil record? 7. Evolution violates the second law of thermodynamics. 8. The Earth is not all that old. a. Dating of the earth is circular. 9. What about Polystrate fossils? 10. What about fossils and rocks found to be out of sequence? 11. What about the evidence for Noah's flood? 12. Genesis says that each was made according to its own KIND. (The Creationist problem with 'kinds') 13. Microevolution is acceptable but not Macroevolution 14. What about Homo erectus? (Creationist Problem) 15. The Scientific Problem of Philosophical Naturalism 2. Instructions: Describe and critically evaluate the role of human psychology in scientific advancement as presented in the book It Started With Copernicus. Apply this role to the example of evolution. Your response should be an argumentative essay with a clearly defined thesis and supporting argumentation. The paper should be written for an unsympathetic audience and, hence, provide as much empirical justification and rational explanation as possible. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

Humanities

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/departments/humanities/

...Social and Political Philosophy PHIL 0060 Introduction to Environmental Ethics PHIL 0065 Introduction to the...