Exploration of the boundaries between science, religion, and social values, examining science and technology in a broader social context. Examines claims that science is isolated from social problems and values. Credit not allowed for both PHIL 3127 and PST 3127.
Students will be able to:
1. Identify the literature, thinkers, concepts and schools of thought in philosophy and science studies
that are useful for approaching scientific questions.
2. Explain how their personal values guide them in understanding science and in understanding the
relationship between science and religion, politics, and ethics.
3. Participate in debates and controversies surrounding science and technology (such as making in-
formed decisions in voting, confidently participating in public forums, and making personal lifestyle
choices).
All course materials will be available through Canvas. No materials need to be purchased.
The final grade is based on four components:
- Case Studies 30%
- Five case studies in total. These involve in-person and out-of-class work.
- Controversy Analysis 25%
- This involves in-person and out-of-class work.
- Exams 30% (2 exams, 15% each)
- Recitation Attendance and Participation 15%
Letter grades will be assigned according to the following scheme:
- A >90% Excellent
- B 80-89% Above Average
- C 70-79% Average
- D 60-69% Below Average
- F <59% Unacceptable
Participating in the recitation sessions is required and graded. Some of the in-class work for the case studies and controversy analysis may be completed in these sessions or the lectures, as well. This means that you will lose points on those assignments if you are not in class on the days we work on them. The points earned in class cannot be made up in case of absence, except for a few instances (pre-arranged religious obligations, exam conflicts, or illnesses/emergencies documented through the Office of Student Life).
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. All work submitted must be original and properly cited. Plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty will result in immediate consequences as outlined in the university's academic integrity policy.
Core IMPACTS refers to the core curriculum, which provides students with essential knowledge in foundational academic areas. This course will help master course content, and support students’ broad academic and career goals.
This course should direct students toward a broad Orienting Question:
- How do I interpret the human experience through creative, linguistic and philosophical works?
Completion of this course should enable students to meet the following Learning Outcome:
- Students will effectively analyze and interpret the meaning, cultural significance and ethical implications of literary/philosophical texts in English or other languages, or of works in the visual/performing arts.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following Career-Ready Competencies:
- Ethical Reasoning
- Information Literacy
- Intercultural Competence