Science, Philosophy and Society (HPSC10002)

What is science? What makes knowledge ‘scientific’? And what roles does scientific knowledge have in our society?

In this subject, you will explore the nature of science and its function in the modern world. The public rely on the results of scientific research, but also face controversies about the legitimacy of statements made with the claim of scientific expertise, for example, whether climate change can be attributed to human activities, and whether vaccines cause autism. We will study how philosophers of science have characterised the nature of science and how they attempted to demarcate it from other forms of human activity. We will look at the way science is demarcated in practice, by scientists themselves and by the public. We will look at various case studies ranging from string theory to psychology, to acupuncture to climate change scepticism.

The subject will introduce you to current approaches in philosophy and sociology of science in order to gain a better understanding of how science operates. It provides a platform to build your broader academic skills and collaborate with peers, setting you up for success at university.

Science, Philosophy and Society is available as a Bachelor of Arts Discovery subject, supporting your introduction to university and fostering connections within your course. If you are taking this as your Discovery subject, you will need to concurrently complete the three compulsory Joining Melbourne modules.