Introduction to Philosophy of the Natural Sciences (254-0-20)
Instructors
Axel Mueller
847/491-2558
Kresge 3-345
Meeting Info
Locy Hall 111: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
The course will introduce students to deep philosophical issues raised by modern natural science of metaphysical and epistemological nature. From a reflection on methodological questions, it will approach the question of realism. We will be guided by nested "what does it take"-questions. For example: What does it take for a system of sentences to count as a good scientific theory? What does it take for a scientific theory to be testable by observational and experimental data (and, by the way: what does it take for certain series of experiences to count as data or observations?)? What does it take for a given theory to be better supported by the available evidence than its competitors? What does it take for a given theory to explain the known phenomena in an area of knowledge? What does it take for an explanatory scientific theory to be credited with reference to underlying structures of reality? We will begin with a brief overview of the scientific revolution of the 16th and 17 th century, and then turn to the treatment of certain problems in the contemporary literature, like the problem of induction, the problem of the underdetermination of theory choice by the available data, the problem of rationality and conceptual change, the problem of realism.
Learning Objectives
Having worked through the materials offered, students will... -be competent in the major paradigms and revolutions behind contemporary natural science -be able to identify, discuss and appreciate foundations of advanced scientific theories that use vocabulary referring to entities not observable by the human perceptual equipment -be able to conduct a formally correct argument articulating methodological and/or ontological and/or evaluative aspects of scientific work -Have gained an appreciation of the deep reach of human factors in scientific practice (like background understandings, relevance constraints, comparative judgments) of even the natural sciences, and thereby have acquired a sophisticated concept of scientific objectivity.
Evaluation Method
• Class and Section participation will be decisive in case of doubt, and can influence your grade up to 20%.
• One short paper (Midterm) should be ~1200 words long. It will count for ca. 30-35% for the final grade.
• One final paper should be ~2200-2500 words long. It will count for ca 45-8% for the final grade.
Class Materials (Required)
Godfrey-Smith, Peter: Theory and Reality, Chicago: Chicago UP, 2003. ISBN: 978-0226300634
Ladyman, James: Understanding Philosophy of Science, London/NY: Routledge, 2002. ISBN: 978-0415221573
Class Attributes
Ethics & Values Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - Locy Hall 305: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - Locy Hall 213: Wed 1:00PM - 1:50PM