Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module THMN3077: History and Philosophy of Science

Department: Theology and Ministry

THMN3077: History and Philosophy of Science

Type Open Level 3 Credits 10 Availability Not available in 2014/15 Module Cap None. Location Durham

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

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • 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.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:
    • 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

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Essay Component Weighting: 100%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Essay 2500 words 100%

    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