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PHL433Arts2 Unitsintermediate

PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE

This course introduces students to the philosophy of science, exploring its foundations, issues, and social functions. It examines the nature of science, its origin, and the separation from philosophy during the Renaissance. Key topics include scientific truth, explanation, theories, and the progress of science through falsificationism, paradigm shifts, and methodological anarchism. Students will critically analyze the metaphysical, epistemological, and axiological dimensions of science, and evaluate the contributions of notable philosophers of science.

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150h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Philosophy of ScienceScientific MethodScientific TheoriesFalsificationismParadigm Shift

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Nature of Science

2

Origin of Science

3

Methods of Science

4

Scientific Theories

5

Scientific Laws

6

Scientific Explanation

7

Realism and Anti-realism

8

Objectivity in Science

9

Growth of Scientific Knowledge

10

Falsificationism

11

Paradigm Shift

12

Social Functions of Philosophy of Science

Total Topics12 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Introduction to Philosophy

Logic

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (4 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Presentations

Team-based learning and peer interaction

Group Work

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Science Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Ethics Board Member

Apply your skills in this growing field

Science Communicator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Technical Writer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Philosophy Lecturer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Research and DevelopmentScience EducationPublic PolicyHealthcareTechnology

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: The Nature of Science and the Origin of Philosophy of Science

2h

Unit 1: The Meaning and Origin of Science

2 study hours
  • •Read the definition of science and its etymological origin.
  • •Analyze the different conceptions of science: as a body of knowledge, as a method, and as an institution.
  • •Identify the characteristics of science: concreteness, objectivity, and universality.
Week
2

Module 1: The Nature of Science and the Origin of Philosophy of Science

2h

Unit 1: The Meaning and Origin of Science

2 study hours
  • •Explore the mythological origins of science and its connection to ancient cultures.
  • •Discuss the role of the Renaissance in the development of modern science.
  • •Examine the separation of science from philosophy and the emergence of various branches of science.
Week
3

Module 1: The Nature of Science and the Origin of Philosophy of Science

2h

Unit 2: Philosophy and Modern Science

2 study hours
  • •Understand the nature of philosophy as a rational and critical enterprise.
  • •Explain the notion of modern science and its evolution from philosophy.
  • •Identify the contributions of rationalists and empiricists to the development of modern science.
Week
4

Module 1: The Nature of Science and the Origin of Philosophy of Science

2h

Unit 2: Philosophy and Modern Science

2 study hours
  • •Analyze the basic assumptions of science, including the uniformity of nature and the reality of the world.
  • •Discuss the aims of modern science, such as explanation, prediction, and control.
  • •Differentiate between the aims and assumptions of science.
Week
5

Module 1: The Nature of Science and the Origin of Philosophy of Science

2h

Unit 3: Methods of Science

2 study hours
  • •Define the scientific method and its systematic procedures.
  • •Differentiate between deductive and inductive methods of science.
  • •Identify other methods used in the sciences, such as the historical and Marxist methods.
Week
6

Module 1: The Nature of Science and the Origin of Philosophy of Science

2h

Unit 3: Methods of Science

2 study hours
  • •Identify the elements of the scientific method: observation, problem definition, hypothesis formulation, experimentation, conclusion, and theory formulation.
  • •Understand the motivations of the scientist: curiosity, demand for verification, and respect for logic.
Week
7

Module 1: The Nature of Science and the Origin of Philosophy of Science

2h

Unit 4: The Philosophy of Science

2 study hours
  • •Understand the link between philosophy and science.
  • •Analyze the notion of second-order discipline.
  • •Trace the origin and birth of philosophy of science and the role played by the logical positivists.
Week
8

Module 1: The Nature of Science and the Origin of Philosophy of Science

2h

Unit 4: The Philosophy of Science

2 study hours
  • •Understand the notion of philosophy of science.
  • •Identify the core scope and characteristics of philosophy of science.
  • •Discuss the contributions of philosophers of science from ancient to contemporary times.
Week
9

Module 1: The Nature of Science and the Origin of Philosophy of Science

2h

Unit 5: The Philosophers of Science: Ancient, Modern and Contemporary

2 study hours
  • •Understand the notion of 'first principle' in philosophy.
  • •Identify first principles in the works of philosophers of interest.
  • •Identify the individual contributions of philosophers of different epochs to the development of philosophy of science.
Week
10

Module 2: Fundamental Issues in the Philosophy of Science

2h

Unit 1: Facts, Truth and Laws in Science

2 study hours
  • •Understand the meaning of fact and scientific fact.
  • •Differentiate between scientific fact and other kinds of facts.
  • •Properly analyze the concept of truth and understand the notion of scientific laws.
Week
11

Module 2: Fundamental Issues in the Philosophy of Science

2h

Unit 2: Scientific Theories

2 study hours
  • •Understand what is meant by theory and its functions.
  • •Identify the characteristics of a theory.
  • •Identify the major theories of science and understand their meanings.
Week
12

Module 2: Fundamental Issues in the Philosophy of Science

2h

Unit 3: Realism, Instrumentalism and Objectivity in Science

2 study hours
  • •Understand the core issues at the heart of philosophy of science.
  • •Identify the arguments of realism and its opposite anti-realism.
  • •Identify different variants of anti-realism and understand the notion of objectivity in science.
Week
13

Module 2: Fundamental Issues in the Philosophy of Science

2h

Unit 4: Explanation in Science

2 study hours
  • •Understand the notion of explanation and identify the main characteristics of a scientific explanation.
  • •Identify the different models of scientific explanation and note the specificity of application of the different models of scientific explanation.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key concepts and arguments.

2

Develop flashcards for key terms and philosophers to aid memorization.

3

Practice applying different philosophical perspectives to real-world scientific issues.

4

Review all Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and discussion forum contributions.

5

Focus on understanding the core tenets of falsificationism, paradigm shifts, and methodological anarchism.

6

Prepare concise explanations of the major models of scientific explanation.

7

Practice essay writing, structuring arguments logically and supporting them with evidence from the course materials.

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