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Science, Philosophy and Society (HPSC10002)
Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable (login required)(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Email: kate.lynch@unimelb.edu.au
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
What is science? What makes knowledge ‘scientific’? And what roles does scientific knowledge have in our society? This subject discusses the nature of science and its function in the modern world. We rely on the results of scientific research, but we 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 can 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 and psychology to acupuncture and climate change scepticism. The subject will introduce students to current approaches in philosophy and sociology of science in order to gain a better understanding of how science operates.
Intended learning outcomes
Students who have successfully completed the subject should be able to:
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the difference between scientific and non-scientific knowledge
- Possess a good knowledge of central theories in philosophy and sociology of science
- Have developed an understanding of the role the demarcation problem has in modern society
- Be able to analyse and assess arguments made in the scholarly literature
- Create well-reasoned arguments about the scientific status of a field of knowledge
- Be able to evaluate scientific evidence using philosophical concepts and theories.
Generic skills
Students who successfully complete this subject should:
- Be able to analyse and assess arguments made in the scholarly literature
- Have developed high level research skills, including the ability to extend their knowledge-base beyond subject materials using web-based research tools
- Have developed effective communication and written presentation skills, and the ability to collaborate constructively within the classroom
- Have developed critical reading skills.
Last updated: 22 November 2023