Science, Reason and Reality (Science 3)

Subject PHIL30004 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3 (2x 1 hour lectures each week and 1x 1 hour tutorial in weeks 2-12)
Total Time Commitment: An average of 8.5 hours each week.
Prerequisites:

Students enrolling in this subject must have completed at least two of the following subjects before enrolling in HPSC30002

HPSC20001 Darwinism

HPSC20010 Intimacy and Technology

HPSC20020 God and the Natural Sciences

PHIL20001 Science, Reason and Reality

HPSC20009 Cybersociety

HPSC20015 Astronomy in World History

Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Knowledge gained from the successful completion of at least two subjects in 2nd year HPS.
Non Allowed Subjects: Students who have completed PHIL20001 Science Reason and Reality or 136-033, 136-333 or 672316 are not permitted to enrol in this subject
Subject
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request 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/

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 6000 words comprising an essay of 1500 words 25% (due mid-semester), an essay of 2000 words 35% (due at the end of semester) and an essay of 2500 words 40% (due at the end of the examination period). A hurdle requirement of a minimum attendance at 75% of tutorials applies in this subject. All set assignments must be submitted in order to pass this subject.
Prescribed Texts:
  • What is This Thing Called Science? (A Chalmers)
  • Philosophy of Science: The Central Issues (M Curd & J A Cover)
  • Representing and Intervening (I Hacking)
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
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.
Notes: This subject is only available to pre 2008 science students for credit at third year level. Students enrolled in the BSc (pre-2008 degree only), or a combined BSc course (except for the BA/BSc) will receive science credit for the completion of this subject. This subject is based on 136-033 but involves additional work. This subject is not available as Breadth for new Gen students.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: History and Philosophy of Science (pre-2008 Bachelor of Science)
Science credit subjects* for pre-2008 BSc, BASc and combined degree science courses

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