Advanced Studies in the Philosophy of Natural Sciences A

Teacher(s)

Pence Charles;

Language

French

Prerequisites

Basic instruction in philosophy of natural science ; Reading knowledge of English sufficient to allow for study of contemporary texts in the philosophy of natural science.

Main themes

Philosophical analysis of contemporary scientific practices in accordance with a two-fold approach. Methodologically, to ask questions about the applicability and the limits of validity of scientific explanations, relative to other approaches to reality. In terms of content, to learn to see the contributions of natural science as a more general means of comprehending particular phenomena.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Upon completion of the course the student should be able - to pose critical questions about the importance and the limits of the validity of natural science - to connect scientific discourse with other forms of discourse about the same phenomenon

Content

This course will take the form of an advanced survey of philosophy of science, designed to allow the student to pursue further high-level study on specific topics. We will start with a brief historical overview of the philosophy of science, then consider a number of classic problems in philosophy of science, such as the debate over scientific explanation, the dispute between scientific realists and anti-realists, and questions about the relationship between philosophy and scientific practice.

Teaching methods

Teaching language: English and French
Reading knowledge and at least passive comprehension of English will be necessary. Students are free to pose questions and discussion in French if they wish, and some supplementary readings will also be French-language.

Evaluation methods

Assessment will include: (1) the attendance and participation of students in the course, (2) leading our discussion for one meeting of the course, and (3) a written examination.

Bibliography

Toute la lecture va être distribuée par le site web du Pr. Pence.
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All readings will be distributed via Pr. Pence's website.

Faculty or entity

EFIL