Honors Program
HONR 202 (3,0)
Spring 2009
3 credits
Prerequisites:
Permission of Honors Director
Instructors (team taught):
Drs. George Denger and Jason K. Swedene
Office location and phone number: Arts Center 103 ; Arts Center 223 (phone: 635-2122)
e-mail: jswedene@lssu.edu , gdenger@lssu.edu
website: www.lssu.edu/faculty/jswedene
student hotline for school/ class cancellation: 635-2858
Office Hours:
Jason K. Swedene
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
3:40--4:10 pm
3:40--4:10 pm 8:45--10:45 am 3:40--4:10 pm
3:40--4:10 pm
and by appointment see website for latest information
Friday
George H, Denger
Office Hours:
Monday
1-3 pm
Tuesday
Wednesday
1-3 pm
Thursday
Friday
9:30-10:30 am
Required Texts:

by Peter Godfrey-Smith Theory and Reality: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Science (Science and
Its Conceptual Foundations series) (University of Chicago Press: Chicago and London, 2003)

by Yuri Balashov and Alex Rosenberg (Editors)Philosophy of Science: Contemporary
Readings (Routledge: London and New York, 2002)

additional readings as provided by instructors (handouts and links)
Course Description:
The Honors student body is made up of members from across disciplines. The Philosophy of Science is a
fascinating topic with significant appeal to those in the sciences, social sciences, and professional studies,
such as nursing. The philosopher of science, among other things, critiques the methods and consequences of
science, using what may be broadly referred to as “the philosophical method.” With respect to the scientific
Honors Program
HONR 202 (3, 0)
Spring 2009
3 credits
2
enterprise, philosophers are concerned with how we know what we claim to know, the limits of applying
human logic to natural phenomena, the role of subjectivity in ascertaining truth, and how historical trends
can influence collective deliberation. This course will be of service to the interdisciplinary Honors Program
will serve the campus in general as it provides another tangible connection between the arts and the sciences.
Course Goals:
This course fulfills a portion of LSSU’s requirements to earn a degree from the University’s Honors
Program. In specific, the twin goals of enhanced critical thinking skills and increased awareness of the
scientific process shall be achieved through successful completion of this course.
Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this HONR 202 course, students will:

Be able to understand the traditions of science through a philosophical lens.

Be able to evaluate the central issues of methodology as they pertain to the scientific enterprise.

Be able to explain the traditions of science through a philosophical lens.
Grading Scale and Policies:
There will be two tests, five group quizzes, and one presentation. Truancy, tardiness, and leaving class early
each will be counted against regular attendance. Beware of this policy so that you arrange other engagements
such as work, dinner parties, vacations, child care, hunting excursions, etc. accordingly.
Final grades are converted to letter grades using the scale (below).
97-100 (A+)
93-97 (A)
90-93 (A -)
87-90 (B +)
83-87 (B)
80-83 (B-)
77-80 (C+)
73-77 (C)
70-73 (C -)
67-70(D+)
63-67 (D)
60-63 (D -)
0-60 (F)
Ground Rules:
1) You must attend class regularly and participate in all class activities. You may lose considerable grade points
of up to 3 percentage points per class for excessive unexcused absences above beyond two. Please let me know
via e-mail if you plan to miss a class.
2) All assignments for a given day must be done before class.
3) Make-up tests are given only as warranted by circumstance (e.g., documented illness or documented family
emergency) and as granted by instructors. The testing center in the basement of the library provides a monitored
Honors Program
HONR 202 (3, 0)
Spring 2009
3 credits
3
environment. Bring a picture ID. You will not be issued a test without these items. The number to make
appointments is 635-2027.
4) Students are responsible for the assignments outlined on this syllabus and the course website. Absence at a
previous class is not an acceptable excuse for not completing assignments on time.
5) Use of head phones, cell phones and hats during exams is prohibited.
6) Cell phones must be turned off for all class and lab sessions. If the cell phone is on and rings, the student will
be asked to leave the class for the day and this will count as an absence.
University Policies and Statements:
HONOR PLEDGE
As a student of Lake Superior State University, you must adhere to the Student Honor Code. You will refrain
from any form of academic dishonesty or deception such as cheating, stealing, plagiarism or lying on take-home
assignments, homework, computer programs, lab reports, quizzes, tests or exams which are Honor Code
violations. Furthermore, you understand and accept the potential consequences of punishable behavior.
IPASS (Individual Plan for Academic Student Success):
If at mid-term your grades reflect that you are at risk for failing some or all of your classes, you will be
contacted by a representative of IPASS. The IPASS program is designed to help you gain control over your
learning through pro-active communication and goal-setting, the development of intentional learning skills and
study habits, and personal accountability. IPASS is located in the KJS Library, Room 106, (906) 635-2887 or
x2294 on campus, or email ipass@lssu.edu if you would like to sign up early in the semester or if you have any
questions or concerns.
The Americans with Disabilities Act & Accommodations:
In compliance with Lake Superior State University policy and equal
access laws, disability-related accommodations or services are
available to students with disabilities. Students who desire such
services should meet with professors in a timely manner, preferably
during the first week of class, to discuss disability-related needs.
Students are eligible to receive services after they are registered
with Disability Services. Proper registration allows Disability
Services to verify the disability and determine individual reasonable
academic accommodations. Disability Service is located in the KJS
Library Room 103, 906-635-2355 (from on campus – 2355).
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the
impact of a disability should contact me privately to discuss specific
needs.
Tentative calendar
Week
1
2
Topics
Introduction; nature of the
scientific enterprise
Induction & confirmation
Readings
Godfrey-Smith Balashov
1, 2
3
Russell, p.
Honors Program
HONR 202 (3, 0)
Spring 2009
3 credits
3
Popper—conjecture & refutation
4
4
10
5
Naturalistic philosophy in theory and
practice
Explanation & reduction
6
7
Evidence & Bayesianism
Kuhn & normal science
14
5
8
Kuhn & revolutions
6
9
10
Frameworks
Sociology of science
7
8
11
Feminism and science
9
12
Naturalism and the social structure
of science
Scientific realism
11
Empiricism, naturalism, and
scientific realism
15
13
14
13
12
289
Popper, p.
294
Feyerabend,
p. 141;
Hempel, p.
45; Salmon,
p. 92
Shapere, p.
410;
Hanson, p.
321
Kuhn, p.
421
Bloor, p.
438
Anderson,
p. 459
McMullin,
p. 489
McMullin,
p. 248
4
Honors Program
HONR 202 (3, 0)
Spring 2009
3 credits
Tentative Course Outline
Area of Content
What is Science? (What is
Pseudoscience?)
The Scope of Science
The Nature of Objectivity
Intertheoretical Reductivism
Induction, Causation, and Certainty
Scientific Paradigms and Revolutions
Logical and Rhetorical Considerations
Data and Theory (and Their Connections)
Approximate Percent of Course Time
10 %
10%
15%
10%
15%
15%
10%
15%
5