PHIL 260 - Philosophy of Science

(3 credits)
Prerequisite: One 100-level, three-credit course in philosophy or CRIT 111
This course introduces students to foundational issues in the philosophy of science. Topics discussed may include issues such as the science/non-science distinction, the nature of scientific explanation, the interactions between theory and observation, causation and the existence of natural kinds. Also, some application issues may be discussed like whether science is objective, sexist or racist, or how to apply science to policy questions like school science curricula and funding of large-scale scientific initiatives. Offered alternate years. (CHUM)