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Topics in the Philosophy of Science - HPSC3200
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Students studying
 
Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
 
 
School:  School of History and Philosophy
 
 
Course Outline: See below
 
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.125 (more info)
 
 
Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 36 units of credit
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

Explores central issues in the philosophy of science at advanced level. Topics will be drawn from: scientific change; demarcation; rationality and objectivity; theory and observation; discovery; instrumentalism and realism; cognitive approaches to science; laws of nature; explanation, reduction and causality; underdetermination; justification and evaluation. Emphasis is placed on developing disciplinary skills required for higher level research in the field.


Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, students should:
  • Be able to think critically and communicate effectively about key issues in philosophy of science
  • Explore central issues in the philosophy of science at an advanced level
  • Practice the discipline of philosophy of science in an interdisciplinary context
  • Apply the philosophical skills you have acquired to other questions concerning knowledge
  • Engage in independent and reflective learning in the philosophy of science
  • Appraise arguments in the philosophy of science and contribute to discussion and debate in the field
  • Direct, plan and manage advanced research in the philosophy of science.

Assessment

  • Critical bibliography and research proposal - 15%
  • Tutorial presentation and paper - 30%
  • Seminar paper - 15%
  • Final essay (3000 words) - 40%

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