Module THMN3077: History and Philosophy of Science

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN3077: History and Philosophy of Science

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To help students understand:
• 1. One important development in science and its impact on theology
• 2. The continuing debate in philosophy of science between realists and instrumentalists
• 3. Recent disputes about the rationality of science.

Content

• 1. The 'Copernican Revolution': Copernicus, Tycho, Kepler, Galileo.
• 2. The Galileo case, 1610-42: science, philosophy and theology.
• 3. Realism and instrumentalism
• 4. The Rationality of scientific development

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
• Assess the main theological, philosophical and scientific issues involved in the disputes over heliocentrism in the early seventeenth century.
• 2. Acquire a basic understanding of realism and instrumentalism.

• Assess recent disputes about the rationality of scientific progress.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures, discussion groups, group tutorials (with computer graphics and other visual aids). 14 hours contact time

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

In-class exercise

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University