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2004/05 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

HPSC3800 Realism and the Metaphysics of Science.

10 creditsClass Size: 999

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2004/05

Pre-requisites

Either, one of: HPSC2320 Progress and Revolutions; HPSC2330 Theories and Phenomena; Or one of: PHIL2020 Introduction to Metaphysics; PHIL2070 Introduction to Epistemology; PHIL2610 Theories of Meaning; PHIL2620 Meaning and Truth; PHIL2640 Space, Time and Infinity; together with HPSC1200 How Science Works

Objectives

On completion of this module students should be able to analyse and

critically assess a variety of epistemological and metaphysical issues in

the philosophy of science.

Syllabus

The aim of this module is to apply the skills and perspectives acquired in previous modules to a variety of issues in the philosophy of science. Topics include: i) The 'No Miracles' Argument and Inference to the Best Explanation; ii) The Pessimistic Meta-Induction and Underdetermination of Theories by Evidence; iii) Standard Realism, Structural Realism and Patchwork Realism iv) The Natural Ontological Attitude and Constructive Empiricism v) Laws and Necessity; vi) Causality, Determinism and Regularity; vii) The Foundations of Probability; viii) Entropy and the Arrow of Time.

Teaching methods

Seminars: 11 x 2 hours

Methods of assessment

One 2000 essay.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/06/2004

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