PL 245 - Philosophy of Science

Institution:

Saint Vincent College

Subject:

Description:

This course is designed to address the general question of what it means to take up the world in a "scientific" way. It traces the historicalgenesis of this special way of knowing, examining how scientific thought came to set itself apart from "non-scientific"engagement with the world. Of particular concern is the division of science, begun in the 19th century, into three branches: the natural, social, and human sciences. The justifications for this division are examined, giving careful attention to their divergence as well as to the question of an underlying commonality. Reflection on the ongoing ramifications of this rift for contemporary life brings the course to its close. Readings will be drawn from across the history of the philosophy of science, including such thinkers as Aristotle, Galileo, Bacon, Comte, Mill, Dilthey, Mach, Carnap, Popper, and Kuhn. Two previous courses in philosophy recommended. Three credits.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.stvincent.edu

Phone Number:

(724) 539-9761

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.