PHIL 261 - SEISMIC Problems: Science, Values and Society

(3 credits)
Prerequisite: One 100-level, three-credit course in philosophy or CRIT 111
This course will focus on the ways values underlie all aspects of scientific inquiry. We begin by examining why we call science “objective” and “neutral,” revealing a more complex and value-driven structure. Looking at science practice as a value-laden and goal-driven enterprise, we study the interactions between what counts as evidence and what counts as ethical guidelines for doing science. We look at cases of science applied to policy issues (e.g., climate change, information privacy and security, health recommendations). Finally, we consider what responsibilities science fields and practitioners have to the public. Students will discuss how their future as scientists, mathematicians or other professionals can contribute to solving important, large problems that might require approaches from multiple STEM and non-STEM knowledge bases. Offered spring semester. (CHUM; CWRT)