PHIL0216A-S14
Science and Quest for Truth
Science and the Quest for Truth
On a fairly conventional view, science exemplifies humankind's rational inquiry into the true structure of the world. But what exactly is science? In what sense is it rational? Are scientific claims true or merely useful in predicting and controlling our environment? To answer these questions, we will examine scientific activities such as theory construction, explanation, confirmation, and experimentation, and their role in debates concerning the role of rationality and truth in scientific knowledge. (This course presupposes no prior knowledge of philosophy or science.)
On a fairly conventional view, science exemplifies humankind's rational inquiry into the true structure of the world. But what exactly is science? In what sense is it rational? Are scientific claims true or merely useful in predicting and controlling our environment? To answer these questions, we will examine scientific activities such as theory construction, explanation, confirmation, and experimentation, and their role in debates concerning the role of rationality and truth in scientific knowledge. (This course presupposes no prior knowledge of philosophy or science.)
- Term:
- Spring 2014
- Location:
- Twilight Hall 301(AXT 301)
- Schedule:
- 1:30pm-2:45pm on Tuesday, Thursday (Feb 10, 2014 to May 12, 2014)
- Type:
- Lecture
- Instructors:
- Kareem Khalifa
- Subject:
- Philosophy
- Department:
- Philosophy
- Division:
- Humanities
- Requirements Fulfilled:
- PHL
- Levels:
- Undergraduate
- Availability:
- View availability, prerequisites, and other requirements.
- Course Reference Number (CRN):
- 22551
- Subject Code:
- PHIL
- Course Number:
- 0216
- Section Identifier:
- A