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Thinking about Science: Past and Present (HPSC30037)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Not available in 2020
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
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What can we learn about the nature of science from studying the history of science? The historical record provides a rich resource for developing theories about how science works. However, historians complain that philosophers often invoke a distorted image of history and selectively choose historical examples that conveniently serve their own agendas. Conversely, many philosophers feel historians place too much emphasis on the social, cultural and political context in which science is situated. For example, while changing economic conditions in England may well have provided a source of inspiration for Darwin's theory of evolution, it is argued this fact has no bearing on whether his conclusions were well supported by empirical evidence.
In this subject we critically examine three major issues that have plagued efforts to forge a constructive relationship between history and philosophy of science:
- the problem of using carefully selected historical case studies to draw general philosophical conclusions about science;
- the problem of using the present as a lens to understand past science;
- the divergent aims and forms of explanation pursued by historians and philosophers
We will also look at some of the recent promising approaches to integrate history and philosophy of science.
Intended learning outcomes
Students completing this subject will:
- demonstrate ability to engage in critical argumentation both in the context of discussion and in self-directed written research ;
- develop in-depth understanding of contemporary developments in philosophy of science;
- acquire written and oral communication skills, effective collaboration in small and large groups.
- possess an awareness of the relationship between philosophy of science and other disciplines, such as epistemology, political theory, sociology, ethics, and gender studies;
- apply philosophical perspectives to real-world scientific practice through the treatment of case studies, and
Generic skills
- Critical thinking
- Analysis and assessment of arguments
- Oral and written communication skills
- Constructive collaboration and measured disagreement
- Confidence in voicing an informed opinion
Last updated: 19 April 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students must complete 2 of below subjects with at least one of those at second year level:
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
HPSC10002 | Science and Pseudoscience | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
HPSC10001 | From Plato to Einstein | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
HPSC20015 | Astronomy in World History | Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
HPSC20020 | God and the Natural Sciences | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHIL20001 | Science, Reason and Reality | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 19 April 2024
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Winter Term
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Class presentation
| Week 2 | 20% |
One written assignment based on presentation (Due one week after presentation)
| During the assessment period | 30% |
Essay
| During the assessment period | 50% |
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of seminars in order to pass this subject. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass this subject. | Throughout the semester | N/A |
Additional details
Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. After five working days late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.
Last updated: 19 April 2024
Dates & times
Not available in 2020
Last updated: 19 April 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Design
- Bachelor of Environments
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and Television)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Music Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Visual Art)
- Bachelor of Music
- Bachelor of Science
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 19 April 2024