Professor Jagdish Hattiangadi
jagdish@yorku.ca

This is an introductory course of lectures, with tutorials, in the Philosophy of Science. The texts chosen will cover the subject as it is understood in two ways: The first component is a discussion of the logical and historical aspects of science by two famous contributors to the study of it, Karl Popper, and Thomas Kuhn, whose thought we will examine first, in that order, by contrasting their claims. There is a celebrated debate in the subject, which is widely appreciated, which we will take up. It takes up two thirds of our lecture and discussion time in the course. The second component, the last third of the course may be described as a broad survey of the main topics in current Philosophy of Science. It is presented in Samir Okasha’s very short text, which will be discussed last.

Technical requirements for taking the course: There is no on campus meeting scheduled for this course. All contact is through video conferencing. Anyone taking the course must be prepared to also appear on video (e.g., for tutorial/seminar discussion, remote proctoring, etc.). In addition to stable, higher-speed Internet connection, you will need a computer with webcam and microphone to participate in the course. A smart device like a tablet or smart phone with these features is not adequate.

Here are some useful links for computing information, resources and help:

Student Guide to Moodle

Zoom@YorkU Best Practices 

Zoom@YorkU User Reference Guide

Computing for Students Website

Student Guide to eLearning at York University

To determine Internet connection and speed, there are online tests, such as Speedtest, that can be run.]

Times and locations: Please note that this is a course that depends on remote teaching and learning. There will be no scheduled in-person interactions or activities on campus. Lectures and discussion, T, TH. 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. by Zoom.

Virtual office hours, electronic and telephone consultations only: My office hour by appointment is after the class for an hour. It can also be at a mutually convenient time. Please send me an e-mail at jagdish@yorku.ca to make an arrangement.

1. Karl Popper, Conjectures and Refutations.
2. Thomas Kuhn, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
3. Samir Okasha, A Very Short Introduction

All paperbacks. 3. Is also available at Scott Library online.

30% for the Moodle discussion, which are required twice each week.

30% Midterm exam/paper.

40% Final paper, about 10 pages long, due on or before the last day of the class scheduled in this course.

Lectures and discussion twice a week by Zoom at the times indicated. Zoom discussions are preceded each time by a continuing E-class or Moodle discussion of topics, asynchronously by posting at least 24 hours before the time set up for Zoom. The Zoom discussions are synchronous, meaning we will be in the meeting all together. The Moodle posts are not synchronous, because you can post any time at your convenience provided that it precedes the Zoom meeting by at least 24 hours.

• An appreciation of the writing that surrounds some intriguing questions that we may ordinarily fail to ask about science
• A critical appreciation of how theories change
• A familiarity with the major arguments in philosophy  of science
• An improved ability to read and write in a critical manner

Course policies

Moodle (e-class) discussion: In this component, a written comment on any topic, or any comment on another comment, counts equally towards a grade, but only when it is posted 24 hours prior to the class in which the topic is to be discussed. Comments in class and on Moodle, twice weekly, will be graded for their relevance, clarity, brevity and their ability to generate critical discussion long essays are not encouraged in Moodle discussions.

Mid-term Exam: This exam must be taken while being supervised on Zoom. No passing grade is possible in this course for anyone who does not take this exam.

The final paper: It is posted to Turnitin before a course grade can be earned.