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Philosophy of Science

Approx. 12 hours to complete

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Description

For the last four centuries, scientists have aimed to provide us with an understanding of the world around us. By all appearances, science has made substantial progress during this time. But is this progress real or illusory? And if it is real, how has this progress been made? This four-week course will consider these important questions. Specific topics will include how scientists generate knowledge through observations, experiments, and simulations; scientific objectivity and failures of scientific objectivity; the self-correcting nature of the scientific community; the positive and negative influences that values can have on science; the relationship between science and religion; and the role of the public in guiding the scientific enterprise.

Outline

Introduction and Core Examples
1.1 Science: Past and Present
1.2 – Example 1: Evolutionary Theory
1.3a – Example 2: Aging the Universe
1.3b – Example 3: Climate Change
1.3c – Example 4: A Theory of Mind
1.4 – Diverse Subjects, Common Methods
Introduction to the Course and your Instructor
Week 1 Readings
Week 1 Quiz

Scientific Methods
2.1 – Intro to Scientific Empiricism
2.2 – A Grounding in Observation
2.3a – Straight Observation
2.3b – Observation with Telescopes
2.3c – Practicing to Observe
2.3d – Making Observation More Efficient
2.3e – Mill’s Methods
2.4a – Isolating and Creating Phenomena
2.4b – The Logic of Experiments
2.5 – Simulations: Empirical and Reliable?
2.6 – Reliable Detection
Week 2 Readings
Week 2 Quiz

Scientific Objectivity
3.0 – The Power of Collective Knowledge
3.1 – Defining Scientific Objectivity
3.2 – Mechanisms of Scientific Objectivity
3.3 – Shedding Bias and Approaching Truth
3.4 – Failures of Objectivity
3.5 – Science, Pseudoscience and Uncertainty
Week 3 Reading
Week 3 Quiz

Values in Science
4.1 – Science in the Political Arena
4.2 – Should Science Be Value-Free?
4.3 – Scientific Freedom and Responsibility
4.4 – Cultivating Scientific Skepticism
Week 4 Reading
Week 4 Quiz

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the Philosophy of Science and how it relates to scientific inquiry in this course offered by Coursera. Students have found the course to be informative and engaging, with a good balance between theory and application.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

Many users appreciated the instructor's ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner.

Pros from User Reviews

Informative and engaging course material
Good balance between theory and application
Clear and concise explanations from the instructor
Excellent supplementary materials and resources provided
Great opportunity to interact with other students in the class

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course to be too challenging
The workload can be intense at times
Limited opportunities for one-on-one interaction with the instructor
Some users felt that the course lacked depth in certain areas
The course may not be suitable for beginners in the subject

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