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Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 30 units of credit at Level 1
 
 
Excluded: HPSC2200, HPSC2300, HPST2011, HPST2116, SCTS2002
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 
Available for General Education: Yes (more info)
 
  

Description

Subject Area: History and Philosophy of Science

Science is a major 'player' in modern society—which is why there are significant intellectual and cultural struggles over its image, and why public understanding of science matters. A very important aspect of these struggles is contestation about how science works. This course examines contrasting accounts of how science works as a system of knowledge production, as a social system, and as a basis for manipulating the world through technology. Both philosophical and sociological accounts are considered. In particular, the course will canvass: empiricism and Logical Positivism, falsificationism, Kuhnian normal and revolutionary science, research programs and traditions, epistemological anarchism, philosophical naturalism, scientific realism, Mertonian sociology of science, sociology of scientific knowledge, actor-network theory, technologism, cultures of expertise, public understanding of science, and the supposed automation of scientific research through the development of ‘sci-bots’.

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.