Philosophy 227 - Science History and Science and Pseudoscience

Institution:

Bard College

Subject:

Description:

STS The search for a demarcation between "science"and "pseudoscience" has generated many productivedevelopments in the academic philosophy of science. These two areas are also significant in "civilian" culture as considerabledamage, both civic and psychological, has surrounded adherence to alleged pseudosciences in both the recent and distant past. This course examines a number of well-studied 20th-century incidences of pseudoscience in physical science, including Blondlot's N-rays, Langmuir's criteria,Ehrenhaft's electrons, polywater, cold fusion, the fifth force, and other minimally controversial situations, as well as a few cases not yet clearly decided. No background in science or mathematics is required. Readings include selections from works by Gardner, Gratzer, Holton, Popper, and others, as well as journals of history and the philosophy of science.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.bard.edu

Phone Number:

(845) 758-6822

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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