STS 226 - Philosophy of Science

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

(Same as PHIL 226) This course explores general questions about the nature of scientific inquiry, as well as philosophical issues that arise in relation to specific scientific theories and their technological applications. Is scientific inquiry paradigmatically rational, or must we choose between competing scientific “paradigms” without recourse to neutral methodological principles? Do our best scientific theories provide us with an accurate depiction of the natural order, or do they only enable us to make successful predictions? Can evolutionary theory’s account of the origins of life be successfully defended against its critics? Are there grounds for maintaining that computers will soon become conscious? Does quantum theory’s predictive success justify the claim that there are parallel universes? Mr. Winblad.

Prerequisite: one 100-level course in Philosophy.

Two 75-minute periods.