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Advanced Topics in Philosophy of Science (U03168)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PPL-3-ATPS-PH

This course is in three parts, comprising seminars on three sets of current issues in the philosophy of science. The first part covers the debate between scientific realists and anti-realists, the second part covers issues in quantum mechanics and the third part covers the philosophy of biology. The realism/anti-realism seminars discuss the major arguments for scientific realism and the range of anti-realist alternatives, (including instrumentalism, conventionalism and constructive empiricism). The quantum mechanics seminars cover issues in non-locality, realism and the role of the observer in quantum theory. The philosophy of biology seminars cover issues in the nature of evolutionary explanation, and may include discussions of such topics as the units of selection, species and natural kinds, function and teleology in biology.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : Philosophy 2A (PP0033) or Philosophy 2B (PP0034) or equivalent

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Philosophy, (School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, Schedule I)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 3rd year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
08/01/2008	09:00	10:50	Room B.9, Appleton Tower	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	09:00	10:50	Central

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The coursework involves close and critical analysis of various historical and current views on central issues in the philosophy of science. Students are asked to read, critically assess and discuss some of the most important texts in these fields. Students are encouraged to develop their skills in individual research through the writing of essays, and to develop their critical, analytic and communication skills through informal discussion and oral presentations in tutorial groups.

Assessment Information

Assessment will be by 2-hour examination in the June diet. Senior Honours students may opt to write a long essay (approximately 5000 words) in lieu of the final exam.