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Philosophy of Science

For the last four centuries, scientists have aimed to provide us with an understanding of the world around us. By all appearances, science has made substantial progress during this time. But is this progress real or illusory? And if it is real, how has this progress been made? This four-week course will consider these important questions. Specific topics will include how scientists generate knowledge through observations, experiments, and simulations; scientific objectivity and failures of scientific objectivity; the self-correcting nature of the scientific community; the positive and negative influences that values can have on science; the relationship between science and religion; and the role of the public in guiding the scientific enterprise.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction and Core Examples

Scientific Methods

Scientific Objectivity

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines the scientific method and its role in generating knowledge, making it a valuable resource for those interested in research and academia

Suitable for students and professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of the nature and history of scientific progress

Taught by Dr. Michael Weisberg, a respected philosopher of science

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Reviews summary

In-depth look at philosophy of science

According to students, this course offers a largely positive exploration into the fundamental questions surrounding science. Learners found the lectures to be clear and engaging, particularly appreciating the instructor's ability to explain complex philosophical concepts. The course provides a solid foundation, covering key topics such as scientific methods, objectivity, and the role of values. While the readings are considered relevant and insightful, some found the workload substantial. Overall, it's described as a thought-provoking introduction suitable for those new to the subject or seeking to deepen their understanding.

Provides a strong introduction to the field.

"As someone new to philosophy of science, I feel this course gave me a really solid introduction to the main ideas."

"It covers all the core examples and methods you need to understand the field. A great starting point."

"I now have a much better understanding of key philosophical questions related to scientific practice and knowledge."

Readings support lectures and add depth.

"The selected readings complemented the lectures perfectly and provided necessary context and alternative viewpoints."

"I appreciated the quality of the reading assignments. They were challenging but directly relevant to the weekly topics."

"While dense at times, the readings were essential for a full grasp of the concepts presented in the videos."

Content encourages deep thinking about science.

"This course challenged my assumptions about science in the best possible way. It was truly thought-provoking."

"I enjoyed how the course didn't just present information but encouraged critical engagement with the material."

"The topics covered were highly relevant and sparked many interesting questions for me about the scientific process."

Lectures are easy to follow and well-explained.

"The lectures were incredibly clear and well-structured. The professor did an excellent job of breaking down complex ideas."

"I found the explanations in the video lectures easy to understand, even for someone without a strong background in philosophy."

"The instructor's teaching style is very effective. He made the abstract concepts of philosophy of science accessible and interesting."

Course requires significant time commitment.

"Be prepared for a substantial amount of reading and thinking. It's not a light course."

"The workload was heavier than I expected for a four-week course, requiring dedication."

"Fitting in all the readings and fully engaging with the material was challenging alongside other commitments."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Philosophy of Science with these activities:

Review scientific method

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Reinforce your understanding of the basic principles of the scientific method and how it is used to generate knowledge.

Browse courses on Scientific Method

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Read the assigned textbook chapters or online resources on the scientific method.
Summarize the key steps involved in the scientific method.
Identify examples of scientific studies that illustrate the scientific method in practice.

Attend a workshop on scientific writing or communication

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Enhance your scientific communication abilities by attending a workshop tailored to the specific needs of the course.

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Identify a workshop that focuses on scientific writing or communication.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises and discussions.
Apply the techniques and strategies learned in the workshop to improve your scientific writing and communication skills.

Design and conduct simple experiments

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Develop your ability to design and conduct scientific experiments that test hypotheses and provide evidence to support or refute claims.

Browse courses on Scientific Method

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Brainstorm a research question and develop a hypothesis.
Design an experiment to test the hypothesis, including controls and variables.
Conduct the experiment carefully and collect data.
Analyze the data and draw conclusions based on the results.

Four other activities

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Participate in peer review sessions

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Receive and provide feedback on your work to improve your understanding and identify areas for improvement.

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Exchange written work, such as essays or lab reports, with peers.
Provide constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement, focusing on both strengths and weaknesses.
Incorporate feedback into your own work to enhance its quality and clarity.

Read and discuss "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" by Thomas Kuhn

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Gain insights into the nature of scientific progress and the role of paradigm shifts in shaping scientific thought.

View The Last Writings of Thomas S. Kuhn on Amazon

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Read the assigned chapters of "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions".
Take notes on the key concepts and arguments presented in the book.
Discuss the book with classmates or a study group, sharing your insights and perspectives.

Develop a presentation on a scientific topic

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Enhance your communication skills and deepen your understanding of a chosen scientific topic by creating a presentation that summarizes and explains it.

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Select a scientific topic that interests you.
Research the topic thoroughly to gather accurate information and evidence.
Organize your presentation logically and visually, using clear and concise language.
Rehearse your presentation to ensure smooth delivery.
Present your work to classmates, professors, or a wider audience.

Participate in a science fair or competition

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Challenge yourself and showcase your scientific skills and knowledge by participating in a competitive environment.

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Identify a science fair or competition that aligns with your interests.
Develop a project that demonstrates your understanding of scientific principles and your ability to apply them.
Prepare for the competition by conducting thorough research and practicing presenting your work.
Attend the competition and present your project before judges and attendees.

Career center

Learners who complete Philosophy of Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Science Writer

Science writers interpret and convey scientific information to the general public, including scientific discoveries, new theories, and technological advancements. To excel in this role, a strong understanding of the nature of science is crucial. The Philosophy of Science course delves into how scientific knowledge is generated, the objectivity of science, and the influences that values have on it, providing a comprehensive foundation for science writers to effectively communicate science to diverse audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Science Communicator

Science communicators help bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public, translating complex scientific concepts into accessible and engaging content. To be successful in this role, a deep understanding of science and its methodologies is paramount. The Philosophy of Science course explores the foundations of science, scientific methods, and the role of values in scientific inquiry, equipping science communicators with the knowledge to effectively convey scientific information to non-expert audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator

Policy Advisor

Policy advisors provide expert advice to policymakers on complex issues related to science and technology. To make informed recommendations, a strong understanding of the scientific process and the interplay between science and policy is essential. The Philosophy of Science course examines the nature of scientific knowledge, the limitations of scientific objectivity, and the influence of values on science, providing valuable insights for policy advisors to navigate the complex landscape of science policy.

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Science Editor

Science editors review, edit, and publish scientific articles and books, ensuring their accuracy and clarity. To succeed in this role, a strong grasp of scientific concepts and the principles of scientific writing is necessary. The Philosophy of Science course provides a deep understanding of the nature of science, scientific methods, and the influence of values on scientific inquiry, equipping science editors with the knowledge to critically evaluate scientific content and make informed editorial decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Editor

Science Journalist

Science journalists report on the latest scientific discoveries and advancements, translating complex scientific concepts into digestible and engaging stories for the general public. To excel in this role, a strong understanding of science and its methodologies is essential. The Philosophy of Science course provides a thorough grounding in the foundations of science, scientific methods, and the influence of values on scientific inquiry, equipping science journalists with the knowledge to accurately interpret and convey scientific information.

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Science Teacher

Science teachers educate students about scientific concepts and principles, fostering their scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. To be effective in this role, a deep understanding of science and its methodologies is crucial. The Philosophy of Science course explores the nature of scientific knowledge, the role of evidence in science, and the influence of values on scientific inquiry, providing science teachers with a strong foundation to engage students and nurture their scientific curiosity.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct scientific investigations and experiments to advance knowledge in various fields. To be successful in this role, a strong understanding of the scientific process and the principles of scientific inquiry is essential. The Philosophy of Science course provides a comprehensive overview of the foundations of science, scientific methods, and the influence of values on scientific inquiry, providing researchers with a solid foundation to design and execute rigorous scientific studies.

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Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians assist scientists and researchers in conducting experiments and analyzing data. To be effective in this role, a solid understanding of scientific principles and laboratory procedures is necessary. The Philosophy of Science course explores the nature of scientific knowledge, the role of evidence in science, and the influence of values on scientific inquiry, providing laboratory technicians with a strong foundation to support scientific research effectively.

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Science Librarian

Science librarians assist researchers, students, and the general public in finding and accessing scientific information. To be successful in this role, a strong understanding of scientific concepts and the principles of scientific research is necessary. The Philosophy of Science course provides a deep understanding of the nature of science, scientific methods, and the influence of values on scientific inquiry, equipping science librarians with the knowledge to effectively navigate and organize scientific information.

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Science Policy Analyst

Science policy analysts evaluate and advise on the potential impacts of scientific and technological advancements on society and the environment. To be effective in this role, a strong understanding of science, technology, and public policy is necessary. The Philosophy of Science course explores the nature of scientific knowledge, the limitations of scientific objectivity, and the influence of values on science, providing science policy analysts with a valuable foundation to analyze and shape science policy effectively.

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Patent Examiner

Patent examiners review and evaluate patent applications to ensure they meet the criteria for patentability, including novelty and non-obviousness. To be successful in this role, a strong understanding of science and technology is essential. The Philosophy of Science course provides a deep understanding of the nature of science, scientific methods, and the influence of values on scientific inquiry, equipping patent examiners with the knowledge to effectively assess the novelty and non-obviousness of inventions.

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Science Museum Curator

Science museum curators develop and manage exhibits that educate the public about science and technology. To be effective in this role, a strong understanding of science and its history is necessary. The Philosophy of Science course explores the nature of scientific knowledge, the evolution of scientific thought, and the influence of values on science, providing science museum curators with a valuable foundation to design and curate engaging and informative exhibits.

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Science Photographer

Science photographers capture images and videos to illustrate and document scientific concepts and discoveries. To be successful in this role, a strong understanding of science and its visual representation is necessary. The Philosophy of Science course explores the nature of scientific knowledge, the limitations of scientific objectivity, and the influence of values on science, providing science photographers with a valuable foundation to create visually compelling and accurate representations of science.

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Science Educator

Science educators develop and deliver educational programs that teach science concepts and principles to students at all levels. To be effective in this role, a deep understanding of science and its methodologies is essential. The Philosophy of Science course explores the nature of scientific knowledge, the role of evidence in science, and the influence of values on scientific inquiry, providing science educators with a strong foundation to design and deliver engaging and effective science education programs.

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Reading list

We've selected 20 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Philosophy of Science.

Knowing Science

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Provides students with a clear and concise overview of the theoretical themes and problems in philosophy of science. It helpful starting point for students whose background in philosophy is weak or who have not had a formal introduction to the discipline.

Philosophy of Science

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

In-depth look at philosophy of science

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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