1 Department of Philosophy
Philosophy of Science PHIL 265 (Section A1)
Fall 2019 Instructor: Hassan Masoud
Office: 2-67 Assiniboia Hall (Department of Philosophy) E-mail: [email protected]
Office Hours: Thursday 11 AM – 12 (noon) or by appointment
Course Location, Days & Time: HC L 4; Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3:00 - 3:50 PM
Course Description:
This course provides an introduction to the philosophy of science. It consists of a critical examination of science with focus on both its methodology and its claims about reality. We discuss the nature of science and what distinguishes science from other attempts at making sense of the world. Different accounts of the scientific method are discussed and compared. It is investigated whether one can reasonably claim that scientific knowledge grows in a progressive way, and to what extent the study of the real practice of scientists and the history of science is significant for a philosophical account of science. We also critically assess the relation between scientific results and reality by discussing notions such as laws of nature, realism, and
instrumentalism as well as the relation between scientific endeavors and current social values or predominant paradigms.
Course Objectives and Expected Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the term, you will be able to:
1. Define key concepts in philosophy of science, such as experiment, explanation, prediction, and falsification.
2. Explain the principal historical and contemporary theories of scientific method.
3. Use concepts and principles central to philosophy of science to distinguish scientific explanations from non-scientific explanations.
4. Explain and contrast the main views regarding the relationship of scientific theories to reality, such as realism, anti-realism, and instrumentalism.
5. Explain and contrast the main views regarding the role of social values in scientific research and theory.
6. Work collaboratively and individually, provide well-reasoned arguments for the acceptance or rejection of arguments and theories in the philosophy of science.
Note: There are no formal prerequisites for this course. This is an Arts course and is useful for students with all backgrounds. All the concepts and arguments are explained from the scratch;
however, to gain a good grasp of philosophical issues, you are encouraged to read the assigned material prior to each session and spend a few moments thinking about the subject and come to class with a few questions. Like any other philosophy course, participating in class discussions is crucial.
2 Course Format:
In each session, a series of concepts, viewpoints, and arguments in philosophy of science are taught. Lectures are often short, but followed by many examples. Almost half of the time of each class is devoted to discussions about real cases.
Required Textbook:
There is a required textbook for this course:
Alan Chalmers (2013). What Is This Thing Called Science? 4th edition. Hackett Publishing Company.
The book is available in the University Bookstore. Note that the latest edition of the textbook (as mentioned above) is required. In the schedule of readings in this syllabus, the text is referred to as ‘Chalmers’. Other readings will be made available in eClass.
Additional Course Fees: N/A
Important Dates:
First Day of Class: Sep. 3 Add/Delete Date: Sep. 16 50% Withdrawal Date: Oct. 3 Withdrawal Date: Nov. 29 Last Day of Class: Dec. 6 Final Exam Date: Dec. 13
Date of Deferred Final Exam: N/A Components of Course Grade:
Grade distribution is as follows:
20%: Assignments (2 short essays, worth 10% each) 30%: Midterm exam
40%: Final exam 10%: Participation
Assignments:
Assignments are comprised of your essay-like answers to one or two questions regarding the topics discussed in class. Assignment questions will be posted on e-Class. Guidelines for writing the assignments will be provided. Your short essays (between 700-1000 words) have to be typed and printed and submitted at eClass. For the due dates refer to the schedule above.
Policy for Late Assignments:
Extensions for assignments can only be granted for serious reasons and if you email me before the due time. Late assignments will be penalized 3% (from the total of 10%) per day.
Assignments will not be accepted more than 3 days after the deadline unless an extension has been granted.
3 Exams:
You have to write a midterm exam in class on Monday, Nov. 4th. The midterm consists of multiple choice questions and short answer questions.
The final exam is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 13th, at 9 AM. The final also consists of multiple choice questions and short answer questions. The final exam is cumulative with an emphasis on the topics covered after the midterm.
Participation:
Participation is evaluated based on attendance as well as preparedness and contribution to small-group and class-wide discussions.
Past Evaluative Material: Sample exams will be made available through eClass.
Lecture Schedule & Assigned Readings:
Date Topics and readings; assignments and exams W: Sep 4
F: Sep 6
1. What is philosophy of science?
Chalmers, Ch. 1: ‘Science as knowledge derived from the facts of experience’
M: Sep 9 W: Sep 11 F: Sep 13
2. Scientific reasoning; The problem of induction
Chalmers, Ch.4: ‘Deriving theories from the facts: induction’
M: Sep 16 W: Sep 18 F: Sep 20
3. Scientific explanation
Rudolf Carnap: ‘The value of laws: Explanation and prediction’ (eClass) Carl Hempel: ‘Explanation in science’ (eClass)
M: Sep 23 W: Sep 25 F: Sep 27
4. Falsificationism
Chalmers, Ch. 5: ‘Introducing falsificationism’
Chalmers, Ch. 7: ‘The limitations of falsificationism’
M: Sep 30 W: Oct 2 F: Oct 4
5. Observation, and experiment
Chalmers, Ch. 2: ‘Observation as practical intervention’
Chalmers, Ch. 3: ‘Experiment’
M: Oct 7 W: Oct 9 F: Oct 11
6. Scientific revolutions
Chalmers, Ch. 8: Theories as structures I: Kuhn’s paradigms’
M: Oct 14 No Class
W: Oct 16 Assignment 1 (short essay) is due
W: Oct 16 F: Oct 18
7. Research programs
Chalmers, Ch. 6: ‘Sophisticated falsificationism, novel prediction, and the growth of science’
Chalmers, Ch. 9: ‘Theories as structures II: research programs’
4 M: Oct 21
W: Oct 23 F: Oct 25
8. Demarcation problem; Anarchistic theory
Karl Popper: ‘Science: Conjectures and refutations’ (eClass)
Thomas Kuhn: ‘Logic of discovery or psychology of research?’ (eClass) Imre Lakatos: ‘Science and pseudoscience’ (eClass)
Chalmers, Ch. 10: ‘Feyerabend’s anarchistic theory of science’
M: Oct 28 W: Oct 30 F: Nov 1
9. Values in science
Kathleen Okruhlik: ‘Gender and the biological sciences’ (eClass)
M: Nov 4 Midterm Exam W: Nov 6
F: Nov 8
10. Methodical changes
Chalmers, Ch. 11: ‘Methodical changes in method’
M: Nov 11 W: Nov 13 F: Nov 15
Reading Week; No Class
M: Nov 18 W: Nov 20 F: Nov 22
11. Bayesianism;
Chalmers, Ch. 12: ‘The Bayesian approach’
F: Nov 22 Assignment 2 (short essay) is due M: Nov 25
W: Nov 27 F: Nov 29
12. New experimentalism
Chalmers, Ch. 13: ‘The new experimentalism’
M: Dec 2 W: Dec 4 F: Dec 6
13. Ontological discussions
Chalmers, Ch. 14: ‘Why should the world obey laws?’
Chalmers, Ch. 15: ‘Realism and anti-realism’
F: Dec 13 Final Exam (at 9 AM)
Grading:
Marks for assignments and exams are given in percentages. The percentage mark resulting from the entire term work and examination then produces the final letter grade for the course, according to the table below (“Department of Philosophy Undergraduate Grading Scale”).
Percentage Letter grade 4-point value Descriptor
95.0-100 A+ 4.0
Excellent
90.0-94.9 A 4.0
85.0-89.9 A- 3.7
5
80.0-84.9 B+ 3.3
Good
75.0-79.9 B 3.0
70.0-74.9 B- 2.7
67.0-69.9 C+ 2.3
Satisfactory
63.0-66.9 C 2.0
60.0-62.9 C- 1.7
57.0-59.9 D+ 1.3 Poor
50.0-56.9 D 1.0 Minimal pass
0-49.9 F 0 Failure
The final mark will be absolute, and no curves will be applied.
Missed Tests and Assignments:
Deferral of term work is a privilege and not a right; there is no guarantee that a deferral will be granted. Misrepresentation of Facts to gain a deferral is a serious breach of the Code of Student Behaviour.
Deferred Final Examination: For information on how to apply for a deferred exam see “I Missed my Final Exam, Now What?”
Student Responsibilities:
Academic Integrity: The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online here) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.
All students should consult the Academic Integrity website. If you have any questions, ask your instructor.
An instructor or coordinator who is convinced that a student has handed in work that he or she could not possibly reproduce without outside assistance is obliged, out of consideration of fairness to other students, to report the case to the Associate Dean of the Faculty. See the Academic Discipline Process.
Recording of Lectures: Audio or video recording, digital or otherwise, of lectures, labs, seminars or any other teaching environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as a part of an approved accommodation plan. Student or instructor content, digital or otherwise, created and/or used within the context of the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).
Disclaimer: Any typographical errors in this syllabus are subject to change and will be announced in class and posted on eClass. The date of the final examination is set by the Registrar and takes precedence over the final examination date reported in this syllabus.
6 Student Resources:
The best all-purpose website for student services is: https://www.ualberta.ca/current-students.
Note: The Student Success Centre has changed its name. It is now the Academic Success Centre and Student Accessibility Services is now called Accessibility Resources.
Academic Integrity and the Code of Student Behaviour:
The new Academic Integrity website:
https://www.ualberta.ca/current-students/academic-resources/academic-integrity.
Accessibility Resources: (1 – 80 SUB)
The University of Alberta is committed to creating work and learning communities that inspire and enable all people to reach their full potential. Accessibility Resources promotes an accessible, inclusive, and universally designed environment at the University of Alberta.
The Academic Success Centre: (1-80 SUB)
The Academic Success Centre offers a variety of workshops on effective study and exam strategies. There are in-person and online sessions available for a modest fee.
The Centre for Writers: (1-42 Assiniboia Hall)
The Centre for Writers offers free one-on-one writing support to students, faculty, and staff.
Students can request consultation for a writing project at any stage of development. Instructors can request class visits and presentations.
Health and Wellness Support:
There are many health and community services available to the University community. See here for students and here for faculty and staff.
Office of the Student Ombuds:
The Office of the Student Ombuds offers confidential interviews, advice and support to students facing academic, discipline, interpersonal and financial difficulties.
Learning and working environment:
The Faculty of Arts is committed to ensuring that all students, faculty and staff are able to work and study in an environment that is safe and free from discrimination and harassment. It does not tolerate behaviour that undermines that environment.
Sexual Violence Policy:
It is the policy of the University of Alberta that sexual violence committed by any member of the University community is prohibited and constitutes misconduct. Resources and more information can be found at https://www.ualberta.ca/campus-life/sexual-violence
Territorial Statement:
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages, and cultures of the First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
Note: Policy about course outlines can be found in the Evaluation Procedures and Grading System section of the University Calendar.
Copyright: Hassan Masoud, Faculty of Arts, University of Alberta 2019