Philosophy of Science

Fall, 2008
Curtis Brown

Course Information

Syllabus

Schedule

Handouts below are from the previous offering of the course; I will update them as the semester progresses.

Paper Information

Possible Topics for Presentations and Papers

Review for the Midterm Exam

Possible Questions for the Midterm Exam

Review for the Final Exam

Possible Questions for the Final Exam

Handouts

Introduction: What is the Aim of Science?

Demarcation 1: Some demarcation proposals

Demarcation 2: Creation Science Readings

Hempel's Model of Explanation (includes discussion of criticisms and alternatives)

van Fraassen on Explanation

Realism

Fine on the Natural Ontological Attitude

Observation

Underdetermination

Logic Symbols (some of the essays in our text use logical symbolism; here's a quick overview)

Probability: A Quick Introduction (pdf)

Bayes's Theorem and the Philosophy of Science (pdf)

Bayesian Theory Evaluator (Java applet)

Experimental "Learning Object" on Bayes' Theorem (in progress, but there's a fair amount there)

Notes on Kuhn, Structure of Scientific Revolutions

Science and Values

Modern Physics and Metaphysics

Sociology of Science: Haack and Latour

Links



Last update: August 6, 2008
Curtis Brown | Philosophy of Science | Philosophy Department | Trinity University
cbrown@trinity.edu