Science, Reason and Reality

Subject PHIL20001 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points:

12.50

Level:

2 (Undergraduate)

Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.

Pre-teaching Period Start	not applicable
Teaching Period	not applicable
Assessment Period End	not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol	not applicable
Census Date	not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail	not applicable

Standard

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.

Time Commitment:

Contact Hours: 35 contact hours comprising two 1-hour lectures per week for the 12 weeks and a 1-hour tutorial per week beginning week 2.
Total Time Commitment: An average of 8.5 hours each week.

Prerequisites:

Usually 75 points of first year study across any discipline area.

Corequisites:

None.

Recommended Background Knowledge:

No specific background knowledge is required for enrolment in this subject.

Non Allowed Subjects:

This subject was previously available at 3rd year with the code 672-316. Students who have completed 672-316 are not permitted to enrol in this subject.

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website : http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Howard Sankey

Contact

Assoc Prof Howard Sankey

chs@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:	This subject addresses some of the central issues in the philosophy of science. It will raise questions such as: What is the difference between science and non-science? Is there a universal scientific method? Or do the methods employed by scientists vary historically? Is scientific theory change a rational process? Is science objective? Do scientific theories inform us of the truth about the world? Students who take this class will have knowledge of the major themes of recent and contemporary philosophical thinking about science. They will also have experience of the methods of critical analysis and argument employed in the philosophy of science and a background on which to base further study in the area.
Objectives:	Students who successfully complete this subject will: have knowledge of the major ideas and theories of recent and contemporary philosophy of science. have background in the philosophy of science on which to base further research and study in the area. have experience with methods of critical analysis and argument employed in the philosophy of science, leading to improved general reasoning and analytical skills.
Assessment:	Written work totalling 4000 words comprising a 1500-word essay 30% (due mid-semester) and a 2500-word essay 70% (due at the end of semester).
Prescribed Texts:	What is This Thing Called Science? (A Chalmers) Philosophy of Science: The Central Issues (M Curd &amp.amp.amp.amp. J A Cover) Representing and Intervening (I Hacking)
Breadth Options:	This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses: Bachelor of Biomedicine Bachelor of Commerce Bachelor of Environments Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Engineering You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.
Fees Information:	Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:	have experience of thinking systematically about difficult intellectual problems of an abstract nature. have practice conducting research, speaking articulately, writing clearly and reading with attention to detail.
Links to further information:	http://www.pasi.unimelb.edu.au/
Notes:	This subject is available for science credit for students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 degree only), or a combined BSc course (except for the BA/BSc). This subject satisfies the third-year breadth requirement for third-year students in the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedicine when taken in 2010 only.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations:	History && Philosophy of Science History and Philosophy of Science History and Philosophy of Science History and Philosophy of Science Major Philosophy Philosophy Philosophy Philosophy Major Philosophy and Social Theory

Download PDF version.