Philosophy of Science

Catalog description

This course introduces students to some of the central philosophical themes, topics, and questions concerning the nature of scientific inquiry, with respect to both science in general and specific natural and social sciences. What distinguishes science as a mode of inquiry, and does it have a distinctive methodology that demarcates it from other non-scientific or pseudo-scientific modes of inquiry? Is science a privileged mode of inquiry, representing the ideal of an impartial and objective source of knowledge? Or is science infused with values and conceptual frameworks that are themselves contingent? Should the theoretical claims made within the sciences be interpreted realistically-that is, literally-or merely instrumentally? What is the nature and structure of scientific theorizing and explanation? Students will consider these questions and others through the close and critical reading of challenging philosophical texts, reconstruction and evaluation of philosophical arguments, and independent reflection and reasoning on topics and positions of philosophical significance concerning science.