Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2024 - PHIL 144 B100

Introduction to Philosophy of Science (3)

Class Number: 7161

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 4 – Dec 3, 2024: Mon, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 15, 2024: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to philosophical issues concerning the nature of science. Topics to be discussed include the distinction between science and pseudo-science, the nature of scientific method, the nature of explanation in the natural and social sciences, the phenomenon of scientific change, the relationship between scientific theory and observation, and the objectivity of social science. Students with credit for PHIL 244 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is a survey course covering three classic topics in the philosophy of science: laws of nature, theory change, and science and values. Questions to be addressed include: What are the goals of doing science? How to distinguish between good and bad hypotheses? Does physics explain? What is the status of laws in physical theorizing? Do laws tell us anything true about the physical world? Is science after truth? Is science value-free? The aim of this course is to help students get a better insight into what science is, how it works, and what are the main difficulties in understanding this particularly successful enterprise. We will be reading authors from the early modern period (e.g. Galileo, Descartes, Newton and Du Châtelet), as well as classics from the 20th century philosophy of science (e.g. Hempel, Duhem, and Kuhn), and some newer directions in the field.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Students will gain familiarity with major concepts, views, and debate relating to hypothesis, laws, theory change, and science and value.
  • Students will critically and charitably engage with the primary and secondary literature. 
  • Students will gain improved proficiency in philosophical writing, defend arguments relating to course themes, and independently develop a paper project out of the course content.

PHIL 144 may be applied towards the Certificate in Philosophy and Methodology of Science, and the Breadth-Humanities Requirement OR the Breadth-Science Requirement (but not both; student can choose which Breadth requirement to satisfy and plan enrollment in other courses accordingly).


Grading

  • Participation (students need to come to 8 sessions to get a “Pass” for this component). Participation in class discussions will be judged on: 1) grasp of and depth of reflection on the assigned reading material; and 2) ability to listen and respond appropriately to other students’ comments. Consistent and constructive participation will weigh in favor of the higher grade in the case of a borderline final grade based on your other work. 10%
  • Writing: mid-term paper. The mid-term assignment will be a response paper of 1,000¬–1,200 words (double-spaced, 12 point, PDF format). I will provide 6¬–8 questions relating to the assigned readings for you to respond to. This paper should consist of three sections: exposition; argument; objection and response to objection. 25%
  • Writing: final paper. The final paper will be a 2,000–2,500-word project which you will develop independently based on the course materials. It is highly recommended that you discuss your ideas with me to determine which topic best suits your philosophical interests and strengths, and how to proceed with your project. 35%
  • Project presentation: before starting to write the final paper, each student is required to present their topic to the instructor. During their presentation, the presenter should talk through their project with the following elements: i) an overview of the main topic and motivation; ii) discussion of the source text; iii) arguments; iv) objection; v) response to the objection; and vi) conclusion and afterthought. Detailed feedback will be provided to the presenters for the writing of final papers. 30%

NOTES:

Course delivery: blended. The 1 hr online component of this course (B101), is asynchronous. 

Each student is required to present their final project online; this will significantly help the students learn how to talk about philosophical ideas in an engaging and rigorous manner.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Kuhn, Thomas. The structure of scientific revolutions. Princeton University Press, 2021. (ISBN-10: ‎0226458121; ISBN-13: ‎978-0226458120)

Hempel, Carl. Philosophy of Natural Science. Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1966. (ISBN-10: 0136638236; ISBN-13: ‎978-0136638230

All other readings will be made available on line through CANVAS.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philcomm@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.