2008-09 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2008-09 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 ascientific 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.