PHIL 21109 /31109 - Topics in Philosophy of Science:Mechanism and Causation

Institution:

University of Chicago

Subject:

Description:

Background in science not required. This course charts the development of the notion of mechanism-from the ancient atomists; to the seventeenth century corpuscularians; up to the present day, where the search for mechanisms in nature has been severely challenged by quantum mechanics. We examine whether and how our conceptions of scientific explanation and causation depend on the notion of mechanism. Are the only good explanations in science those that connect causes and effects in continuous chains What notion of causation is required to make this work How are these questions affected by results in modern science, physics and biology in particular Relevant scientific material is treated conceptually. B. Fogel. Spring. ( B)

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

WWW.UCHICAGO.EDU

Phone Number:

(773) 702-1234

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Quarter

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