PHIL 11Science and Truth

3 credits · Philosophy · Penn State

This course investigates the nature of science, scientific reasoning, and the "scientific method." The value of objectivity and explanation will be considered in relation to our knowledge of the world and ourselves. Students will compare scientific truth claims to others, such as those from common sense, religion, the humanities, and pseudo-science. Key concepts include hypothesis, falsification, evidence, models, and theory. We ask: How do facts relate to proofs? What is the role of subjectivity in interpreting data? Does science progress? Are there questions science cannot answer? The goal of the course is for students to understand better the meaning, value, and limitations of the scientific enterprise.