XIDS 3200 - History and Philosophy of Science

(3 /0/. 3)

A study of the historical development of major areas of science and the philosophical examination of scientific methods and results. Historical portion will emphasize the development of major scientific concepts and the interaction between scientific activity and other characteristics of various historical periods. Philosophical portion will examine the process of scientific reasoning, the distinguishing features of science, non science, and pseudoscience, and the writings of selected contemporary philosophers on some of the current problems and issues in the philosophy of science. Course will include discussion of scientific knowledge vs. values and role of each in decision making.