STSC 025 The Evolution of Scientific Thought
Cross-listed as PHIL 025
Offered:Fall 2008
Weisberg TR 10:30-12 + recitation
NAT SCI & MATH SECTOR (NEW CURR ONLY)
This is an introductory course in the history and philosophy of science. Its central focus is the development of the modern, scientific view of the world. Upon completing this course, you will have a better sense of the origin of such central scientific concepts as force, atom, evolution, species, and law of nature. In addition, I hope that you will begin to appreciate the key issues in philosophy of science including the relationship between theory and evidence, the nature of scientific explanation, and the status of unobservable entities. The readings are drawn from Aristotle, Descartes, Newton, Darwin and a number of secondary sources. Although primarily a reading and writing oriented course, there will be several opportunities for you to engage first hand in the process of scientific discovery.
