History And Philosophy Of Science | Scientific Reasoning
X200 | 2985 | Ai

Every aspect of contemporary life is permeated by the technoproducts
of modern science: even affairs of the heart are shaped by
word-processed love letters; assignations are arranged by email and
and television programs on purely theoretical topics such as
cosmology, chaos theory or cognitive science.  Yet an astonishing
number of Americans, including college students (and faculty!) are
also firmly committed to claims that appear quite implausible in the
light of modern science.  Many believe that a "personalized" number is
more apt to win the lottery, that telepathy works and premonitions
should be taken seriously, that there is "something" to astrology and
flying saucers, alien abductions and aura adjustments, and sighting of
Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat.

In this course, we will examine various aspects of scientific
reasoning and draw comparison with both common sense reasoning and the
kinds of thinking which figure in mythology and ideology.  Topics will
include nitty-gritty issues, such as causes vs. correlations, and the
role of aesthetics and metaphysics in science, as well as discussions
of the role of intuition and how to read science news releases
critically.  Each topic will be illustrated by a case-study drawn from
either the history of science or examples of scientific practice.

There will be frequent quizzes and homework, necessitating regular
class attendance.

Time and Day:  4:00 p.m. - 5:15p.m.  MW
Place:  SW218