Courses / Module

The goal of this elective stream to introduce students from all backgrounds (including those with no science backtround) to some of the central ideas and important turning points in scientific thinking. It will focus on the historical development of scientific ideas, but scientific methods and philosophy of science will also feature strongly.

The format will be a combination of lectures and weekly discussion groups, with an emphasis on the latter. Student presentations will play an important role.
This module is based on the existing philosophy module PH313A, which will be slightly modified to fit in with this elective stream and the intended student body.
Topics include:
• The Aristotelian world-view, essentialism and teleology
• The 17th century scientific revolution (Galileo and Descartes to Newton)
• The problem of induction, verification and falsification, including the views of Popper, Kuhn, Lakatos and others
• The theory of evolution and its impact on religion
• Can scientific thinking replace philosophy?