This course addresses a range of philosophical problems raised by scientific knowledge and explanation. The problems examined fall into roughly two kinds: one about the methods of science, and the other a philosophical consideration of how science explains our world. Problems of the first kind include the justification of scientific inferences, the connection between observation and theory, and how to understand progress in science. Problems of the second kind include puzzles about explanation, causation, and probability.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- identify philosophical issues about the methods of science;
- understand and explain puzzles about what science describes and seeks to explain;
- evaluate some rival theories about scientific method and the metaphysics of science;
- understand arguments for and against contentious views in the philosophy of science; and
- articulate positions and arguments in discussions.
Indicative Assessment
Essay, 1000 words (20%) Learning outcomes 1, 3, 4Assignment, 1000 words (20%) Learning outcomes 2, 3
Essay, 2000 words (50%) Learning outcomes 2, 3, 4
Tutorial participation (10%) Learning outcomes 1-5
In response to COVID-19: Please note that Semester 2 Class Summary information (available under the classes tab) is as up to date as possible. Changes to Class Summaries not captured by this publication will be available to enrolled students via Wattle.
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Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials; and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading, and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Majors
Minors
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $3120 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $4800 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3151 | 24 Feb 2020 | 02 Mar 2020 | 08 May 2020 | 05 Jun 2020 | In Person | View |