2018-19 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2018-19 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

PHI 342 - Philosophy of Natural Science

(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)
This course will help one understand the natural sciences by examining a number of issues as they arise in the history of science. Issues discussed include: e.g., a) what distinguishes science from non-science? b) how are scientific theories justified? c) what is the role of values in scientific inquiry? d) what is required in a scientific explanation? e) do science and religion conflict? f) what is involved in a comprehensive scientific worldview? Representative thinkers include, e.g., Isaac Newton, Pierre Duhem, Ernst Mach, Karl Popper, Thomas Kuhn.

Prerequisite: at least one philosophy course. PHI202 is helpful, but not required.