Philosophy of Science

Catalog description

In this course we examine selected philosophical questions about science. These include: What is a scientific explanation? How are explanations in the natural sciences different from those in the social sciences? Can all sciences be unified by reducing them to one basic science? Are scientific facts discovered, constructed, or both? We will consider examples from a variety of sciences, and students will be encouraged to reflect philosophically on their own scientific interests and coursework. Counts as an elective for the Philosophy major and minor. Satisfies the Philosophical and Religious Perspectives requirement. Prerequisites & Notes (Spring)