HPSC 111. What is Science? Introduction to the History and Philosophy of Science. 3 Units.

We look at historical and philosophical aspects of modern science. The objective of the course is to develop a sense of (1) what forms scientific research has taken historically, and (2) what it is about scientific research that makes it distinctive as a form of human knowledge. Offered as HPSC 111, PHIL 111 and HSTY 111.

HPSC 202. Science in Western Thought II. 3 Units.

Science is a powerful symbol and a source of authority in the modern world. It is also an important and demanding practice, one that has shaped our lives and transformed our knowledge. But the meaning of science, as well as its scope and its uses, has changed a great deal in the past 300 years. Likewise, just as science has altered our social and material lives, change has worked in the opposite direction as well: social priorities and political agendas have shaped the development of scientific knowledge and practice. This class will allow us to explore the dynamic relationship between science and society in the modern world by considering key episodes and themes in the history of science from the eighteenth century to the present. Throughout the course, we will reflect on some of the very different ways that men and women have tried to organize, extend, and represent their knowledge of nature, and we will consider to what purposes and with what effects they have done so. Offered as HPSC 202 and HSTY 202. Counts as a Communication Intensive course. Counts as a Human Diversity & Commonality course.

HPSC 344. Objectivity. 3 Units.

Associated with both the true and the good, objectivity has been variously understood as rationality, certainty, neutrality, justice, and fairness. Disciplines as diverse as the sciences, philosophy, politics, and journalism have privileged objectivity as a value. Yet what exactly does objectivity mean, and whose knowledge or perspective possesses this quality? What does it mean to speak of objective knowledge, objective morality, or objective judgment? In this course, we will examine the history of objectivity and its various disciplinary permutations by looking at texts both ancient and modern. In so doing, we will gain a unique perspective on the development of the Western intellectual tradition and the current ways that we assess information, make judgments, and produce new knowledge. Offered as HSTY 344, HSTY 444, and HPSC 344. Counts as a Disciplinary Communication course. Counts as a Moral & Ethical Reasoning course.

HPSC 390. Senior Research Seminars in History and Philosophy of Science. 3 Units.

Directed independent research seminar for seniors who are majors in the History and Philosophy of Science program. The goal of the course is to develop and demonstrate command of B.A.-level factual content, methodologies, research strategies, historiography, and theory relevant to the field of history of science and/or philosophy of science. The course includes both written and oral components. Offered as HPSC 390 and HSTY 390 and PHIL 390. Counts as a Capstone Project course. Counts as a SAGES Senior Capstone course.