The University of New South Wales

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Undergraduate Handbook

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Science Good, Bad and Bogus - HPSC1200
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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: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 

Description

What is science? What are its distinctive characteristics as a form of inquiry? Why are astrology, 'creationism' or parapsychology widely considered to be pseudosciences? A critical consideration of such inquiries raises central questions concerning the nature of science, involving issues such as the nature of observation and evidence, theories and laws, explanation and prediction, etc. Issues to be considered include the 'Galileo Affair', 'science vs. religion' and relativism. These are placed in an historical context from the Ancient Greeks to twentieth-century philosophers. Also considered are the nature of scientific revolutions and 'postmodern' approaches to science.


Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this course will:
  • Understand some of the most important arguments in philosophy today about the nature of science, including those of Hume, Kant, Wittgenstein, Popper, Kuhn, and Feyerabend
  • Be able to apply these alternate theories of science to questions about whether unorthodox or borderline thought systems such as Intelligent Design and astrology constitute science or pseudo-science
  • Be capable of thinking critically about the respective merits of these philosophical definitions of science, and the consequences of accepting each of them
  • Be capable of independently using these concepts in thinking critically about novel claims they may encounter about what knowledge is scientific and what is not
  • Learn general skills in analytical argument and both oral and written presentation.

Assessment

  • Tutorials (two presentations, participation) - 30%
  • Two in-class tests - 40% (20% each)
  • Major essay (3000 words) - 30%

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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.