Textbooks:
[TR] Peter Godfrey-Smith (2003) Theory and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science (required)
[SR] Thomas Kuhn (2012) [1962] The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (required).
Further readings also available on Blackboard.
1. Intro. to Philosophy of Science
Wk |
Date |
Topic |
Reading Due |
Coursework Due |
Quiz |
1.1 |
Jan 12 |
Introduction |
TR Ch 1 |
- |
- |
1.2 |
Jan 14 |
History of Science / Semmelweis |
TR Ch 1.5, Hempel Ch 2 |
- |
- |
2.1 |
Jan 19 |
NO CLASS (MLK) |
- |
- |
- |
2.2 |
Jan 21 |
Logical Positivism |
TR Ch 2.1-2.3 |
HW 1 |
- |
3.1 |
Jan 26 |
Logical Empiricism |
TR Ch 2.4-2.5 |
- |
- |
3.2 |
Jan 28 |
Induction and Confirmation |
TR Ch 3 |
HW 2 |
- |
4.1 |
Feb 2 |
Explanation (D-N) |
TR Ch 13.1-13.2, Hempel Ch 5 |
- |
- |
4.2 |
Feb 4 |
Explanation |
TR Ch 13, SEP Woodward 5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.2 |
HW 3 |
- |
5.1 |
Feb 9 |
Popper |
TR Ch 4 |
- |
- |
5.2 |
Feb 11 |
Popper / Papers |
- |
HW 4 |
- |
2. Kuhn's Historical Turn
Wk |
Date |
Topic |
Reading Due |
Coursework Due |
Quiz |
6.1 |
Feb 16 |
NO CLASS (Pres.) |
- |
- |
- |
6.2 |
Feb 18 |
Normal Science |
SR Ch 1-5, TR Ch 5 |
- |
QUIZ 1 |
7.1 |
Feb 23 |
Revolution |
SR Ch 6-8, TR Ch 6 |
- |
- |
7.2 |
Feb 25 |
Guest: Jon Lawhead |
SR Ch 9--10 |
HW 5 |
- |
8.1 |
Mar 2 |
Progress and Revolutions |
SR Ch 11--13 |
HW 6 |
- |
8.2 |
Mar 4 |
Jon Lawhead: Climate Science |
- |
- |
- |
9.1 |
Mar 9 |
Revolutions and Rationality |
TR Ch 6 |
- |
- |
9.2 |
Mar 11 |
Reactions |
TR Ch 7 |
HW 7 |
- |
3. The Mainstream and its Discontents
Wk |
Date |
Topic |
Reading Due |
Coursework Due |
Quiz |
10.1 |
Mar 23 |
Scientific Realism |
TR Ch 12 |
PAPER 1 |
- |
10.2 |
Mar 25 |
Scientific Realism |
Fine (1991) |
HW 8 |
QUIZ 2 |
11.1 |
Mar 30 |
Scientific Realism |
McMullin (1991) (S1-3) |
- |
- |
11.2 |
Apr 1 |
Naturalism |
TR Ch 10 |
HW 9 |
- |
12.1 |
Apr 6 |
Bayesian Approaches |
TR Ch 14 |
- |
- |
12.2 |
Apr 8 |
Social Structure |
TR Ch 11 |
HW 10 |
- |
13.1 |
Apr 13 |
Social Structure |
TR Ch 11 |
- |
- |
13.2 |
Apr 15 |
Sociology of Science |
TR Ch 8 |
HW 11 |
- |
14.1 |
Apr 20 |
Sociology of Science |
- |
- |
- |
14.2 |
Apr 22 |
Feminism and Science Studies |
TR Ch 4 |
- |
QUIZ 3 |
15.1 |
Apr 27 |
Feminism and Science Studies |
- |
- |
- |
15.2 |
Apr 27 |
TBA |
TR Ch 4 |
PAPER 2 |
- |