This introduction to the philosophy of science examines competing philosophical perspectives on the nature of science. What is science? What does/can it tell us about the universe? How is it different from other knowledge-seeking activities? Beginning with the classic rationalism versus empiricism debate over the nature of knowledge in the wake of the Scientific Revolution, we then move into more contemporary thought: logical empiricism, Popper, Kuhn, sociology of science, feminist science studies, naturalism, and others.

These perspectives on science address questions regarding evidence, testing, theory choice, scientific change, and the social organization of science.

Texts

1. Godfrey-Smith, Peter. 2003. Theory and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

2. Reading selections available through Courselink.

Course Outline [1]