Intro Philosophy of Science
Philosophy 8
GM Johnson, UCLA
when: MW 12:15-2:50pm
where: Lakretz 120
people:
instructor:
email:
office hours:
Gabbrielle Johnson [Gabby]
gmjohnson@humnet.ucla.edu
W 3 - 5pm in Dodd 375, also by appointment
TA:
email:
office hours:
Jenna Donohue
jdonohue@humnet.ucla.edu
M 10:30 - 11:30am, W 3:30 - 4:30pm in Dodd 395
course description:
This introductory course presents a survey of the main philosophical questions regarding the nature
of scientific knowledge and methodology. Broadly, we will focus on four inter-related topics: (i )
evidence gathering and inductive reasoning, (ii ) scientific explanation, (iii ) theoretical virtues, and
(iv ) the nature of scientific theory change. The goal of this class will be to explore various questions
relating to these topics. For example, how should we characterize scientific explanation? What is
the justification, if any, for inductive reasoning? How do we measure the strength of evidence
and update our beliefs accordingly? Can questions about the objective structure of reality even
be answered by the sciences? To guide our investigation of these questions, we will reflect upon
the history of science and explore some of the major philosophical accounts concerning scientific
progress, such as Kuhn’s theory of normal science and scientific revolution, Popper’s falsificationism, and van Fraassen’s instrumentalism. Finally, we will consider to what extent ethical values,
political climate, and gender norms shape scientific practice and theory.
reading materials:
book:
Peter Godfrey-Smith, Theory and Reality. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2003.
article: Helen Longino, “Gender, politics, and the theoretical virtues.” Syntheses 104.3 (1995): 383-397.
(available on course website)
grading structure:
daily comprehension quizzes (10% of your grade);
first paper, 1-2 pages (20% of your grade);
second paper, 4-5 pages (30% of your grade);
final paper, 5-6 pages (40% of your grade)
about the quizzes:
There will be a timed (5 min) online quiz due at the start of every lecture (except for the first
day). The quiz can be found on the course website and will comprise two very easy multiple choice
questions: one question on the reading for that day and one question on the previous lecture.
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tentative schedule:
This schedule might change—always consult the course website for updates.
wk
1
2
3
4
5
6
date
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Aug.
Sept.
Sept.
Sept.
3
5
10
12
17
19
24
26
31
2
7
9
topic
Introduction and Overview
Logical Empiricism
Induction and Confirmation
Popper
Kuhn pt. 1 - Normal Science
Kuhn pt. 2 - Revolution
Lakatos, Lauden, Feyerabend
Theory-Ladenness
Feminist Philosophy of Science
Realism
class canceled
Explanation
readings
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 10
Longino (1995)
Chapter 12
Labor Day
Chapter 13
due
First Paper
Second Paper
Final Paper
academic misconduct:
My basic assumption is that all of my students are honest and well-intentioned. I trust you to
carefully avoid any form of dishonest academic behavior such as cheating, fabrication, and plagiarism. If you are tempted by academic dishonesty, consider some of the consequences. First of all, if
you do manage to get away with it, you put your classmates at a disadvantage and yourself at an
advantage. This is selfish. Second, you get a high grade that you haven’t earned and don’t deserve.
This is unfair. Finally, you break the trust between me and you, as well as between you and your
peers. This is simply disrespectful. Ethics aside, there are also serious practical consequences if you
are caught. In this class we will strictly follow the University Policy on Student Conduct, which
you are responsible for knowing. The rules about academic integrity in particular are summarized
on the University’s Guide to Academic Integrity (link below). Any violation of this policy will
be reported directly to the Office of the Dean of Students. There are no exceptions.
The University’s Guide to Academic Integrity:
www.studentgroups.ucla.edu/dos/assets/documents/StudentGuide.pdf
UCLA Writing Programs:
http://www.wp.ucla.edu/
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