AP/PHIL4110 3.0 A: Seminar in Philosophy of Science
Offered by: PHIL
(Cross-listed to: SC/STS4110 3.0A )
Session
Fall 2021
Term
F
Format
REMT
Instructor
Calendar Description / Prerequisite / Co-Requisite
An intensive examination of contemporary philosophical problems concerning the growth of science and technology selected from interpretations of theory, of models, of presumed facts, of presumed progress, of experimental technique, and of the place of values in science and technology. Prerequisite: At least nine credits in philosophy including one of AP/PHIL 2110 3.00, AP/PHIL 3170 3.00, AP/PHIL 3270 3.00, or AP/PHIL 3280 3.00. Course credit exclusions: None. PRIOR TO FALL 2009: Prerequisite: At least nine credits in philosophy, of which AK/PHIL 3280 3.00, AS/PHIL 3170 3.00, AS/PHIL 3270, or AS/PHIL 3280 3.00 is recommended. Course credit exclusion: AS/PHIL 4110 3.00.
Course Start Up
Course Websites hosted on York's "eClass" are accessible to students during the first week of the term. It takes two business days from the time of your enrolment to access your course website. Course materials begin to be released on the course website during the first week. To log in to your eClass course visit the York U eClass Portal and login with your Student Passport York Account. If you are creating and participating in Zoom meetings you may also go directly to the York U Zoom Portal.
For further course Start Up details, review the Getting Started webpage.
For IT support, students may contact University Information Technology Client Services via askit@yorku.ca or (416) 736-5800. Please also visit Students Getting Started UIT or the Getting Help - UIT webpages.
Professor Jagdish Hattiangadi
jagdish@yorku.ca
This course of seminars is an advanced course in philosophy of science. We will take up
one of the influential methods of science proposed in the 17th century that had a formative influence on the development of modern science, namely by Descartes. The discussion will be both be in weekly three hour seminars and by way of continuing discussions on E-class (Moodle.) We will be studying a number of commentaries on 17th century thought to better appreciate what Descartes was able to contribute in his Discourse. We will also discuss the Essays which follow it, which are often not read with the same attention as his Discourse.
There is a lot to be learnt from reading all four essays together, as his contemporaries did.
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:
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, W,. 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 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.
- Paul Olscamp, ed. Descartes’ Discourse, Optics, Geometry and Metereology. Hackett paperback, ordered in Bookstore.
- Richard Popkin, The History of Scepticism.… Scott Library online.
- Léon Roth, The Discourse on Method 1637-1937, Published online by the Léon Roth Foundation, URL https://fa8273fb-5f5c-4847-9fb2-b0eb63e1b7a9.filesusr.com/ugd/01b672_c4afdc5840da4ec484d32fa2a7323d17.pdf
Alexander Koyré, From the Closed World to the Infinite Universe, Kindle edition from Amazon.ca (or ppbk)
30% for the Moodle discussion, which are required twice each week.
30% Midterm paper.
40% Final paper, about 12 pages long, due on or before the last day of 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 36 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. No personal meetings are scheduled.
- The skill of argument in philosophy or any task requiring careful reading and thought
- An appreciation of the writing that surrounds some intriguing questions that we may ordinarily fail to ask about thought
- A critical appreciation of how modern science and philosophy emerged
- A familiarity with some of the major arguments in philosophy of science
- An improved ability to read and write in a critical manner on any subject
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 36 hours prior to the seminar in which the topic is to be discussed. Comments in class and on weekly on Moodle, 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 Paper: To be posted on the designated Turnitin site on Moodle, (e-class.)
The final paper: It is posted to Turnitin before a course grade can be earned.
Late penalties are 2% per day unless for approved reasons.
- Academic Honesty
- Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Religious Observance
- Grading Scheme and Feedback
- 20% Rule
No examinations or tests collectively worth more than 20% of the final grade in a course will be given during the final 14 calendar days of classes in a term. The exceptions to the rule are classes which regularly meet Friday evenings or on Saturday and/or Sunday at any time, and courses offered in the compressed summer terms. - Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
