PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
PHIL 430, Sec. 1001: MW 11:30am-12:45pm in CBC C148
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Spring 2023
Professor: James Woodbridge
email address:
Course Webpage: http://jwood.faculty.unlv.edu/unlv/Phil430S23.htm
Office Hours: M 2:30pm-4pm, T 12:30pm-2pm, and by appointment
Office: CDC 426
Office Phone: 895-4051
Dept. Phone: 895-3433
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
Scientific inquiry is often considered the method par excellence for acquiring knowledge about the world. What is it about science and its methods that gives it this reputation? This course examines several different perspectives on science, looking at what they claim the aims of science are and what they say about its operation. We will begin by considering various facets of the scientific enterprise from the perspective on science dominant during the first half of the 20th century: logical empiricism. This school of thought sought to develop formal accounts of the "logic" of such activities as the confirmation of hypotheses and the explanation of phenomena, in a way that grounded science on the epistemically secure basis of the observable. This perspective was challenged in the second half of the 20th century by an approach that shifted the focus from analysis of the formal structure of scientific activities to scrutiny of the history of science. This historicist approach rejected the earlier assumption of a common, pure (i.e., "theory-neutral") observation basis, emphasizing instead the radical discontinuities in the worldviews offered by successive scientific theories. At its most extreme, this approach has characterized these breaks as involving, not just changes in worldview, but as transitions to "different worlds". A third perspective on science rejects both logical empiricism and historicism, opting instead for a "realist" view committed to taking science as in the business of (and succeeding to some extent at) developing a literally true account of the world. After a brief introduction to scientific method, we will consider these three perspectives on science in turn, examining their central theses and arguments, with the aim of developing a better understanding of the nature of science in general.
Learning Objectives:
To demonstrate knowledge about central problems in the philosophy of science, as well as some
epistemology and metaphysics
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
Identify central issues or debates in philosophy of science,
Articulate and, when appropriate, compare or contrast, different views that might be taken with
respect to these issues,
Summarize major motivations or arguments for these alternative positions,
Present significant objections that have or could be raised to these positions,
Assess the relative merits of these arguments and objections.
II. REQUIRED CLASS MATERIALS
Books:
Godfrey-Smith, Peter. Theory and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science, Second Edition.
Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2021.
Kuhn, Thomas S. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, Fourth (50th Anniversary) Edition. Chicago:
University of Chicago Press, 2012.
Papineau, David (ed.). The Philosophy of Science. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996.
The books for the course are at The UNLV Bookstore. There will also be several online readings.
III. CLASS REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING SCHEME
Requirements.............................................Percent of
Final Grade
Class Participation......................................................10%
First Paper...................................................................30%
Second
Paper...............................................................30%
Final Exam..................................................................30%
About the Requirements:
Class Participation--This requirement covers a couple of things things. First, there is your contribution during class. Class attendance is thus necessary. However, to do well you must do more than just attend. You are expected to show up having read the assignment for the day and ready to talk about it. Second, everyone must make at least 6 contributions to the Electronic Discussion Board (accessible through WebCampus) during the term: 3 in the first half of the term (before March 19) and 3 in the second half.
The First Paper--There will be a 6-8 page paper due in early March. Topics will be distributed 12 days before the paper is due. Papers are due at the beginning of class on the due date. Late papers are subject to a substantial grade reduction as described on the Papers Requirements and Policies handout.
The Second Paper--There will be a second 6-8 page paper due in late April. Again, topics will be handed out 12 days before the paper is due, and all papers are due at the beginning of class on the due date.
The Final Exam--There will be a timed (2 hour), in-class final exam given on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 10:10am. It will be given online via the Quizzes area on the WebCampus-Canvas page for the course.
Note: All course requirements must be satisfactorily completed in order to pass the course. More than 3 unexcused absences reduces your final grade by 1/3 of a letter grade, more than 5 is a full letter grade deduction, more than 8 is automatic failure of the course.
IV. CLASS FORMAT
This is an upper-level philosophy course, so while I will present a lot of the material, our class meetings should also include a lot of student discussion, not just lectures. I hope that you will all have views about the theories we are going to examine, and I want you to express and explore those views whenever possible. It is typical of philosophical topics that people's views on them will differ. You are encouraged to question your classmates (and me) whenever anyone says something you disagree with, but on either side of this sort of exchange, everyone should always keep in mind that expressing disagreement is not a personal attack. Philosophical discussion thrives under this kind of interaction and often stems from disagreement. At the same time, philosophical discussion aims at reaching some sort of agreement. We probably won't reach agreement every time, but we should aspire towards it.
V. CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE
In recent years it has become necessary to make a further comment about classroom etiquette. Engaging in activities like text messaging, surfing the web, checking Instagram/TikTok, tweeting, etc. during class is entirely inappropriate. In fact, it is extremely rude and highly disrespectful of our joint enterprise of teaching and learning. Whether you are sitting in the back and presume you are not interfering with anyone else is irrelevant. It is not a question of what you are caught doing; it is a matter of what you do, noticed or not. I expect everyone to behave appropriately during class, engaging with our cooperative project and refraining from inappropriate activities at all times.
VI. TOPICS AND READINGS
Most of the readings for the course are from the books by Godfrey-Smith and Kuhn, and the anthology edited by Papineau. Readings from the first two books are listed below by author and chapter number. Readings from the third book are listed by article author and title, followed by "PoS" and chapter number.
There are also several online readings that will be linked on the course webpage.
A note about the readings: Philosophical writing is often subtle and
difficult. Do not be fooled by the shortness of an assignment into thinking that it will take little time. These readings should be read at least twice. I recommend a first time straight through, then a second time slowly while taking notes.
The course units and readings for them are as follows.
1. The Logic of Scientific Inquiry: Logical Empiricism
Peirce, "The Fixation of Belief" and "How to Make our Ideas Clear" (online)
Godfrey-Smith, Chapters 1-3
Hempel, Chapters 2-4 from Philosophy of Natural Science (online)
Goodman, "The New Riddle of Induction" (online)
Popper, Selections from The Logic of Discovery (online)
Putam, "The Corroboration of Theories" (online)
Godfrey-Smith, Chapters 4, 12
Hempel, Chapter 5 from Philosophy of Natural Science (online)
Godfrey-Smith, Chapter 11
Hempel, Chapter 6 from Philosophy of Natural Science (online)
2. The Historicist Approach
Kuhn, Preface & Chapter I (Background and Method)
Kuhn, Chapters II-V (Normal Science)
Kuhn, Chapters VI-VIII (Crisis in Normal Science)
Godfrey-Smith, Chapter 5
Kuhn, Chapters IX & X (Revolutionary Science)
Kuhn, Chapters XI-XIII (Revolution and Progress)
Kuhn, Postscript
Hacking, Introductory Essay
Lakatos, from "Falsification and the Methodology of Scientific Research Programs" (online)
Lakatos, "History of Science and its Rational Reconstructions" (online)
Godfrey-Smith, Chapter 6
3. Scientific Realism
van Fraassen, "Arguments Concerning Scientific Realism," from The Scientific Image
(online)
van Fraassen, "To Save the Phenomena," PoS, Ch. IV
Laudan, "A Confutation of Convergent Realism," PoS, Ch. VI
Boyd, "On the Current Status of the Issue of Scientific Realism" (online)
Godfrey-Smith, Chapters 9, 10
Ellis, "What Science Aims to Do," PoS, Ch. VIII
Fine, "The Natural Ontological Attitude," PoS, Ch. I
Musgrave, "NOA's Ark--Fine for Realism," PoS, Ch. II
Godfrey-Smith, Chapters 13, 14
*The instructor of this course reserves the right to change any aspect of the syllabus, with the understanding that any such changes will be announced in class.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas Additional Information/Policies
Public Health Directives
Students must follow all active UNLV public health directives while enrolled in this class. UNLV public health directives are found at https://www.unlv.edu/coronavirus/health-requirements. Students who do not comply with these directives may be asked to leave the classroom. Refusal to follow the guidelines may result in further disciplinary action according to the UNLV Student Conduct Code, https://www.unlv.edu/sites/default/files/page_files/27/StudentConduct-Code.pdf, including administrative withdrawal from the course.
Academic Misconduct
Academic integrity is a legitimate concern for every member of the University community. We all share in upholding the fundamental values of honesty, trust, respect, fairness, responsibility, and professionalism. By choosing to join the UNLV community, students accept the expectations of the Student Academic Misconduct Policy, and are encouraged to always take the ethical path whenever faced with choices. Students enrolling at UNLV assume the obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with UNLV's educational mission. An example of academic misconduct is plagiarism. Plagiarism is using the words or ideas of another person, from the Internet or any other source without proper citation of the source(s). See the Student Conduct Code, https://www.unlv.edu/studentconduct/student-conduct.
Auditing a Course
Auditing a course allows a student to continue attending the lectures and/or laboratories and discussion sessions associated with the course, but the student will not earn a grade for any component of the course. Students who audit a course receive the same educational experience as students taking the course for a grade, but will be excused from exams, assessments, and other evaluative measures that serve the primary purpose of assigning a grade.
Classroom Conduct
Students have a responsibility to conduct themselves in class and in the libraries in ways that do not interfere with the rights of other students to learn, or of instructors to teach. Use of devices such as cellular phones and pagers, or other potentially disruptive activities are only permitted with the prior explicit consent of the instructor. Students are specifically prohibited from recording classes without instructor authorization, including online/remote classes (either audio only, or video and audio). The instructor may rescind permission at any time during the class. If a student does not comply with established requirements or obstructs the functioning of the class, the instructor may initiate an administrative withdrawal of the student from the course.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic forced some instruction to be delivered remotely starting in Spring 2020, numerous students have asked instructors to record their synchronous classes, so that they can access them at their convenience. Instructors who agree to record their classes (audio only, or video and audio) should inform students in advance. Recorded lectures may not be broadly released to anyone, but made available exclusively to those students enrolled in the class during the particular academic term. Recorded lectures must be stored securely, and are subject to the Nevada System of Higher Education's Records Retention Policy, meaning that the recordings can only be deleted 120 days after the end of class (i.e., after grades are posted). Once this requirement is met, the recordings should be deleted. Class recordings are protected from disclosure, as they are deemed part of an educational record under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Copyright
The University requires all members of the University Community to familiarize themselves with, and to follow copyright and fair use requirements. You are individually and solely responsible for violations of copyright and fair use laws. The University will neither protect nor defend you, nor assume any responsibility for student or employee violations of fair use laws. Violations of copyright laws could subject you to federal and state civil penalties and criminal liability, as well as disciplinary action under University policies. Additional copyright policy information is available at https://www.unlv.edu/provost/copyright.
Disability Resource Center (DRC)
The UNLV Disability Resource Center (Student Services Complex, SSC-A, Room 143, https://www.unlv.edu/drc, telephone 702-895-0866) provides resources for students with disabilities. Students who believe that they may need academic accommodations due to a permanent disability, temporary or permanent medical need, or academic support due to pregnancy are encouraged to contact the DRC as early as possible in the academic term. A Disabilities Specialist will discuss what options may be available to you. Students who are already registered with the DRC should request their accommodations online each semester, and make an appointment to discuss their accommodations with their instructors.
Final Examinations
The University requires that final exams given at the end of a course occur on the date and at the time specified in the Final Exam schedule. The Final Exam schedule is typically available at the start of the semester, and the classroom locations are available approximately one month before the end of the semester. See the Final Exam Schedule, https://www.unlv.edu/registrar/calendars.
Identity Verification in Online Courses
All UNLV students must use their Campus-issued ACE ID and password to log in to WebCampus-Canvas.
UNLV students enrolled in online or hybrid courses are expected to read and adhere to the Student Academic Misconduct Policy, https://www.unlv.edu/studentconduct/misconduct/policy, which states that "acting or attempting to act as a substitute for another, or using or attempting to use a substitute, in any academic evaluation or assignment" is a form of academic misconduct. Intentionally sharing ACE login credentials with another person may be considered an attempt to use a substitute, and could result in investigation and sanctions, as outlined in the Student Academic Misconduct Policy.
UNLV students enrolled in online courses are also expected to read and adhere to the Acceptable Use of Computing and Information Technology Resources Policy, https://www.it.unlv.edu/policies/acceptable-use-computing-and-information-technology-resources-policy, which prohibits sharing university accounts with other persons without authorization.
To the greatest extent possible, all graded assignments and assessments in UNLV online courses should be hosted in WebCampus-Canvas or another UNLV-managed platform that requires ACE login credentials for access.
Incomplete Grades
The grade of "I" (Incomplete) may be granted when a student has satisfactorily completed three-fourths of course work for that semester/session, but cannot complete the last part of the course for reason(s) beyond the student's control and acceptable to the instructor, and the instructor believes that the student can finish the course without repeating it. For undergraduate courses, the incomplete work must be made up before the end of the following regular semester. Graduate students receiving "I" grades in 500-, 600-, or 700-level courses have up to one calendar year to complete the work, at the discretion of the instructor. If course requirements are not completed within the period indicated, a grade of "F" will be recorded, and the student's GPA will be adjusted accordingly. Students who are fulfilling an Incomplete grade do not register for the course, but make individual arrangements with the instructor who assigned the "I" grade.
Library Resources
Librarians are available to consult with students on research needs, including developing research topics, finding information, and evaluating sources. To make an appointment with a subject expert for this class, please visit the Libraries' Research Consultation website, https://guides.library.unlv.edu/appointments/librarian. You can ask the library staff questions via chat or text message at https://ask.library.unlv.edu/.
Missed Classwork
Any student missing class, quizzes, examinations, or any other class or laboratory work because of observance of religious holidays will be given an opportunity during that semester to make up the missed work. The make-up opportunity will apply to the religious holiday absence only. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor within the first 14 calendar days of the course for Fall and Spring courses (except for modular courses), or within the first 7 calendar days of the course for Summer and modular courses, of their intention to participate in religious holidays which do not fall on state holidays or periods of class recess. For additional information, visit the Missed Classwork policy, under Registration Policies, on the Academic Policies webpage, https://catalog.unlv.edu/content.php?catoid=32&navoid=8271&hl=.
In accordance with the policy approved by the Faculty Senate regarding missed class time and assignments, students who represent UNLV in any official extracurricular activity will also have the opportunity to make up assignments, provided that the student submits official written notification to the instructor no less than one week prior to the missed class(es).
The spirit and intent of the policy for missed classwork is to offer fair and equitable assessment opportunities to all students, including those representing the University in extracurricular activities. Instructors should consider, for example, that in courses which offer a "Drop one" option for the lowest assignment, quiz, or exam, assigning the student a grade of zero for an excused absence for extracurricular activity is both contrary to the intent of the Faculty Senate's policy, and an infringement on the student's right to complete all work for the course.
This policy will not apply in the event that completing the assignment or administering the examination at an alternate time would impose an undue hardship on the instructor or the University that could be reasonably avoided. There should be a good faith effort by both the instructor and the student to agree to a reasonable resolution. When disagreements regarding this policy arise, decisions can be appealed to the Department Chair/School Director, College/School Dean, and/or the Faculty Senate Academic Standards Committee.
For purposes of definition, extracurricular activities may include, but are not limited to academic recruitment activities, competitive intercollegiate athletics, fine arts activities, liberal arts competitions, science and engineering competitions, and any other event or activity sanctioned by a College/School Dean, and/or by the Executive Vice President and Provost.
Rebelmail
Rebelmail is UNLV's official email system for students and by University policy, instructors and staff should only send emails to students' Rebelmail accounts. Rebelmail is one of the primary ways in which students receive official University communications, information about deadlines, major Campus events, and announcements. All UNLV students receive a Rebelmail account after they have been admitted to the University. Sending emails within WebCampus-Canvas is also acceptable.
Tutoring and Coaching
The Academic Success Center (ASC), at the Claude I. Howard Building, provides tutoring, academic success coaching, and other academic assistance for all UNLV undergraduate students. For information regarding tutoring subjects, tutoring times, and other ASC programs and services, please visit the ASC website, https://www.unlv.edu/asc, or call 702-895-3177. The ASC is located across from the Student Services Complex (SSC). Academic success coaching is located on the second floor of SSC A, Room 254. Drop-in tutoring is located on the second floor of the Lied Library, and on the second floor of the College of Engineering building (TBE A 207).
UNLV Writing Center
One-on-one or small group assistance with writing is available free of charge to UNLV students at the Writing Center, https://writingcenter.unlv.edu/, located in the Central Desert Complex, Building 3, Room 301 (CDC 3-301). Walk-in consultations are sometimes available, but students with appointments receive priority assistance. Students may make appointments in person or by calling the Center, telephone 702-895-3908. Students are requested to bring to their appointments their Rebel ID Card, a copy of the instructions for their assignment, and two copies of any writing they have completed on their assignment.