Introduction to philosophy of science

Pre-requisites:

Course objectives: The aim of this course is to introduce students to philosophical approach to methodology of science and its demarcation from pseudo-science. The narrow objectives of the course are critical examination of concepts of scientific theory, experiment, natural laws, and scientific explanations.

Course description: The course deals with the following thematic units: 1. Scientific Revolution in the 17th Century. Relationship of Science and Philosophy (Aristotle, Galileo, Copernicus, Newton, Descartes and Darwin will be considered), 2. What are scientific theories? (Hempel on the standard concept of scientific theory and Kuhn's understanding of scientific paradigms), 3. What are scientific experiments? (F. Bacon's experimental method, Quine-Duhem's thesis), 4. Scientific explanations (What kinds of scientific explanations exist? Explanation and prediction.), 5. Natural laws (What is logical status of scientific laws?), 6. Metaphysics and science (Heisenberg, Husserl, Popper, Logical Positivism), 7. The role of mathematics in science (Why does mathematics help empirical sciences?) and 8. Method of philosophy and history of science (I. Lakatos).

Learning Outcomes: Students are expected to know the subject matter discussed in the lectures and tutorials, with reference to compulsory and supplementary literature. In particular, active participation in classes and student presentations will be especially appreciated during the evaluation.

Literature/Reading:

• Filozofija nauke, priredio Neven Sesardic i http://perovich.tripod.com