PHILOSOPHY OF THE NATURAL SCIENCES (2004-2005)

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Course given by: Prof. Dr. T. Kuipers, with the co-operation of Prof. Dr. D. Atkinson, Prof. Dr. W. van Delden and Prof. Dr. W. Nieuwpoort

Period: First quarter (Sept. 7, 2004 - Nov. 9, 2004)

Time: 15.30- 17.15 hours

Place: Room 5113-0202, Physics&Chemistry Building, Nijenborgh 4, Paddepoel

Study load: 5 EC

Information: A number of important themes in the philosophy of the natural sciences are presented, and illustrated with some detailed examples. Six general lectures are given by Kuipers, about structures of laws, theories and research programs, and about various patterns of explanation and methods of evaluation. Moreover, senior researchers in physics, chemistry, and biology give three lectures, respectively, about the historical, methodological, and conceptual backgrounds of three majors theories: Atkinson (Sept. 14) about the theory of relativity, Nieuwpoort (Oct. 5) about the theory of molecules, and Van Delden (Oct. 26) about the theory of evolution.

By way self-study of a textbook on the philosophy of physics, chemistry or biology one gets the opportunity to deepen, for the examination, one's insight in the specific philosophical and methodological problems of one's favorite discipline.

For the examination one has to study the course material, a syllabus, a reader, and one the three textbooks, at choice.

Obligatory literature:

- Reader Texts on the theory of relativity, molecules, and evolution, available at the reader shop of the Faculty of Philosophy, Oude Boteringestraat 52, between 9 and 12 a.m. Ca. 5 Euro.

- Theo Kuipers, Structures in Scientific Cognition, a syllabus, based on Structures in Science, see recommended literature, available at the reader shop of the Faculty of Philosophy, Oude Boteringestraat 52, between 9 and 12 a.m. Ca. 5 Euro.

- One textbook at choice, depending on one's discipline of study:

• Physics: Lawrence Sklar, Philosophy of Physics, Oxford UP, (1992) 2002 (reprint), ca. 33.50 Euro, ISBN: 0-19-875138-9 (pbk).
• Chemistry: Jaap van Brakel, Philosophy of Chemistry, Leuven UP, 2000, ca. 21 Euro, ISBN: 90-5867-063-5 (pbk).
• Biology: Elliott Sober, Philosophy of Biology, Westview Press, 2000², ca. 35 Euro, ISBN: 0-8133-9125-1 (pbk).

 Recommended Literature:

- General:

• Theo Kuipers, Structures in Science. Heuristic Patterns based on Cognitive Structures, Synthese Library, Vol. 301, Kluwer AP, Dordrecht, 2001, ISBN 0-7923-6086-9, 140 Euro (60 Euro when minimally 6 copies are ordered).
• Merrilee Salmon et al., Introduction to the Philosophy of Science, Hacket Publishing Cy, Indianapolis/Cambridge, (1992) 1999 (reprint), ISBN: 0-87220-450-2 (pbk), Ca. 32 Euro.

- Physics and Chemistry:

• Jan Hilgevoord (ed.), Physics and Our View of the World, Cambridge University Press, 1994, ISBN: 0521453720 (pbk), ca. 25 Euro.
• Stephen Kellert, In the wake of chaos, University of Chicago Press, 1993, ISBN: 0-226-42976-8 (pbk), 17.50 Euro.
• Steven Weinberg, Dreams of a Final Theory, Hutchinson, London, 1993, ISBN 0-679-74408-8, (pbk), ca. 15 Euro.

- Biology and Medicine:

• Martin Mahner and Mario Bunge, Foundations of Biophilosophy, Springer, Berlijn, 3-540-61838-4, ca 75 Euro.
• Kenneth Schaffner, Discovery and Explanation in Biology and Medicine, University of Chicago Press, 1993, ISBN: 0-226-73592-3 (pbk), ca. 35 Euro.
• Lewis Wolpert, The unnatural nature of science, Faber & Faber, 1993, ISBN: 0-571-16972-4, ca. £9,-.

Examination: Written examination, Nov. 9, 2004

Target group: The course is primarily intended for third year students in the natural sciences and philosophy (of a specific scientific area).

Entrance: An introduction to the philosophy of science, e.g. the AVV-course Wetenschapsfilosofie en Wetenschapsethiek, is recommended.

Frequency: Yearly.

 

For remaining questions, consult T.A.F.Kuipers philos.rug.nl