The King's University
Philosophy 334 - The Philosophy of the Sciences

Fall 2017


Instructors:

Jeff Dudiak Chris Peet Brian Martin

Office:   A 229  
Email: <jeff.dudiak@kingsu.ca> 
Telephone: 465-3500 ext. 8049

Office:   N133
Email: <chris.peet@kingsu.ca> 
Telephone: 465-3500 ext. 8068

Office:   A 207
 Email: <brian.martin@kingsu.ca>
Telephone: 465-3500 ext. 8039

Thursday Evenings: 6:30 - 9:20
Location: S210

Texts: (required)

Heidegger, Martin. (1977). The question concerning technology and other essays. Trans. by W. Lovitt. New York: Harper.
Kuhn, Thomas. (2012). The structure of scientific revolutions. (4th Edition). Introductory essay by Ian Hacking. Chicago & London: University of Chicago. (Original published in 1962.)

 

A Brief Introduction

Through selective readings, lively class discussion and shared experiences of students and instructors we will examine science and explore possible meanings of "philosophy of science". The course will demand effort - some of the papers and topics will be subtle and challenging. The end goal is acquire a better understanding of the knowledge claims made by science, how this shapes and is in turn shaped by modern culture(s) and to do this all within a tradition of Christian scholarship.

Course Format

A typical class will consist of:

Student Questions

You are all challenged (and required) to craft questions due the beginning of each (subsequent) class. These are questions that you are asked to pose as well as discuss in a 1/2 - 1 page exposition. and will be used to help focus discussion during the first part of the class. They are intended to provide a context for the class. Your question needs to be substantive enough that you can lead the class in a 5 - 10 minute discussion.

Course Evaluation:

Electronic etiquette: Talking during class is disruptive & disrespectful to the professor & other students. This applies to all non-class-related electronic use, too! Use of cell phones, texting, e-mailing, watching videos on laptops, etc., that are not class-material related are not permitted activities in class.

Academic Offences: Plagiarism and cheating are serious offences and are grounds for failure, suspension, or expulsion. Plagiarism is the representation of another’s work, in whole or in part, as one’s own in an exam or paper, knowingly including a false statement or reference as if it were true, or submission by a student of work prepared for a different course without the express consent of the instructor. Students should refer to pages 62-63 of the 2015-16 King’s University Calendar for a full description of academic offences and consequences.

Link to Lecture Schedule...