2005/06 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

HPSC3201 Realism and Truth in Science

20 creditsClass Size: 100

Module manager: Steven French / Joseph Melia
Email: s.r.d.french@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2005/06

Pre-requisite qualifications

20 credits of Level 2 HPS modules or equivalent

This module is mutually exclusive with

HPSC3800 Realism and Metaphysics in Science

Module replaces

HPSC3800 Realism and Metaphysics in Science

This module is approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to describe and critically assess:
a) a variety of views presented in the realism-antirealism debate, such as 'standard' realism, 'entity' realism, 'structural' realism, 'patchwork' realism, instrumentalism and 'constructive empiricism';
b) a variety of arguments deployed in this debate, such as the 'Pessimistic Meta-Induction', 'The Underdetermination of Theories by Evidence', and 'The No-Miracles Argument';
c) recent developments in this area.

Syllabus

Topics covered may include:

i) 'Standard' Realism and its Problems
'Standard' realism; truth and reference in science; the 'No-Miracles Argument'; Inference to the Best Explanation; The Underdetermination of Theories by Evidence; The Pessimistic Meta-Induction.

ii) Anti-realist Alternatives
Instrumentalism; Constructive Empiricism; empirical adequacy; belief and acceptance.

iii) Further Developments
Entity realism; patchwork realism; structural realism; pragmatic realism.

Teaching methods

Seminars: 11 x 2 hours.

Private study

9 hours reading and preparing per seminar: 99 hours;
Essay preparation: 79 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

1 x 3000 word coursework essay, submitted mid-semester.

Methods of assessment

2 x 2,000-word essays.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 20/09/2006

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