As a system of knowledge pursuit, science develops laws and theories to explain, predict, understand, and control empirical phenomena. This course introduces students to many of the challenging assumptions, foundations, and implications of science. Topics include the nature of scientific knowledge, the structure of scientific theories, the distinction between science and pseudo-science, whether there is a scientific method, and how social and political processes influence the way science develops.
As a system of knowledge pursuit, science develops laws and theories to explain, predict, understand, and control empirical phenomena. This course introduces students to many of the challenging assumptions, foundations, and implications of science. Topics include the nature of scientific knowledge, the structure of scientific theories, the distinction between science and pseudo-science, whether there is a scientific method, and how social and political processes influence the way science develops.
