Philosophy of Information Science. 3 credits, 3 contact hours

Catalog description

This seminar explores central issues in contemporary philosophy of science. We consider "scientific" progress in the computing sciences with a focus on information systems and human computer interaction theory. We discuss topics such as confirmation and disconfirmation of theories; falsifiability and pseudo-science; introduction; probability; and statistical inference, prediction, explanation and empirical equivalence. We read key works by philosophers such as Popper and Kuhn. We examine the notion of "design science" and contrast it with "natural science", and examine whether social science research should strive to emulate natural science methods. Readings will be tied into research within information systems and the computing sciences in general, looking at how scientific theories are tested or confirmed.