PHI6420   Philosophy of Science   (30 credits)

Description

The module aims to introduce general issues concerning scientific methodology; to examine criteria for theory-assessment and scientific progress; to explore the interdependence of theory and observation; and to investigate general accounts of scientific explanation and laws of nature. The issues presented revolve around two major debates: firstly, the dispute between Kuhn and Popper about theory change; secondly, disagreement between positivist and realist conceptions of science. The link between philosophy and history of science will be illustrated by taking the Copernican Revolution in astronomy as a case-study.

Reading List