Courses & Units
Philosophy of Science HPH306
Introduction
Science is our most successful attempt to understand the world around us, and it plays an extremely important role in contemporary society. As such, we should not ignore the possibility that science may have something to contribute to traditional philosophical debates about the nature of the world and our place in it. But nor should we, as philosophers or ordinary citizens, ignore the limitations of science and accept everything scientists tell us uncritically. In this unit we cast a philosophical eye over science, considering questions like What is science? What makes something a science rather than a pseudo-science? Are there limits to scientific knowledge? We may also cast a scientific eye on philosophy, considering what science might have to tell us about such issues as what it is to be human, the philosophy of time, the question of design in and of the natural world, and the nature of explanation. This unit will be of interest to philosophy majors, to students studying in a bachelor of science, or to anyone who is interested in the nature of science.
Summary
| Unit name | Philosophy of Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | HPH306 |
| Credit points | 12.5 |
| College/School | College of Arts, Law and Education School of Humanities |
| Discipline | Philosophy and Gender Studies |
| Coordinator | Doctor Richard Corry |
| Available as an elective? | Yes |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Advanced |
Availability
This unit is currently unavailable.
Note
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Learning Outcomes
- Understand some of the philosophical issues that lie at the foundations of science.
- Analyse and critically assess philosophical arguments.
- Engage with a range of philosophical views, synthesising perspectives to arrive at reflectively formed judgements.
- Communicate your ideas and reasoning in a clear manner.
- Appreciate the potential and limitations of scientific and rational enquiry.
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| not applicable |
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
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Requisites
Prerequisites
25 credit points at Introductory level or higherTeaching
| Teaching Pattern | On campus Online lecture or equivalent (1 hour) Weekly seminar (1 hour) Weekly tutorial (1 hour) Off campus Online lecture or equivalent (1 hour) Weekly online discussions (equivalent 2 hours) |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Take home exam (40%)|Article summary (15%)|Essay plan (5%)|Essay (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes. |
Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
|---|
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