Examination of the nature and processes of scientific inquiry, including the status of scientific knowledge, identification of pseudoscientific claims, and the role of values in generating and using scientific knowledge. Credit not allowed for both PHIL 3115 and PST 3115.
- Demonstrate an improved understanding of key issues in the philosophy of science.
- Understand how issues in the philosophy of science relate to other disciplines, as well as to important debates in politics and daily life.
- Develop one's intellectual virtues.
All readings will be available in Canvas or another digital method. Students will need to print certain course materials at their own expense.
The final grade will be based on the following components:
In-class Tests 25%
In-class Work 40%
Annotations 10%
Final Exam 25%
You will earn letter grades as follows:
A 90+%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F Below 60%
Attendance is necessary to succeed in the course, but it is not a direct component of your grade. However, the majority of coursework is completed in class. If you miss these days, you forfeit those points. Only a few cases are considered excused absences and will allow points to be made up: illness documented through the Office of Student Life, Institute-approved activity conflicts, exam conflicts, and pre-discussed religious obligations.
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.
Artificial intelligence may not be used for any graded component of the course. Use of artificial intelligence is considered academic dishonesty.
This is a Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Humanities area. 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 or of works in the visual/performing arts.
Course content, activities and exercises in this course should help students develop the following CareerReady Competencies:
• Ethical Reasoning
• Information Literacy
• Intercultural Competence