PHIL 341  Philosophy of Science

Spring Semester 2012 | DAY | Burnaby

INSTRUCTOR  H. Andersen, WMC 4610

TEXTS

• Philosophy of Science: An Historical Anthology, edited by McGrew, Alspetor-Kelly, and Allhof. Wiley-Blackwell.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will cover several topics in contemporary philosophy of science. We will begin by examining several case studies in the history of science, and then use these to examine contemporary debates in philosophy of science. Such debates may include scientific realism versus anti-realism, scientific methodology, and the nature of observation and confirmation in scientific theories.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• Three papers - 20, 25, and 30% each (75% total)
• Participation - 25% (primarily weekly discussion questions, plus periodic in-class writing assignments.

Note: Prerequisite: PHIL 100; PHIL 210 or 214; and one of PHIL 201 or 203, or COGS 200.