LFU:online

• Familiarity with patterns of thought in the natural sciences
• Development of critical thinking abilities in conversation with the natural sciences
• Understanding of the influence between scientific theories and human values and ideologies

The natural sciences have made astounding accomplishments, yet are exercised by limited human beings sometimes working with hidden interests. This class will teach students critical thinking skills after the pattern of natural sciences, but will also teach them to critically reflect on the methods and practices of science. We will do this by discussing concrete questions from the philosophy of science, such as: What is the scientific method, and can it really lead to the same results no matter who uses it? What distinguishes science from pseudo-science? Given that all scientific theories have been replaced by better theories, can we ever be justified in accepting a theory as true? What brings about scientific revolutions or paradigm shifts? Does it matter for scientific knowledge that scientists typically come from socially privileged social groups? We will learn to think critically, both like scientists and about science.

Lecture with discussion.

Essays.

Will be discussed in the frist class.

None.