Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2016-2017 (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 | Available in 2016/17 | Module Cap | Location | Durham |
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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% | ||
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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