ESCI 444A (H01) - Philosophy of Earth Science

Hon/Philosophy of EarthScience

Durham Engineering&Physical Sciences::Earth Sciences
Credits: 4.0
Class Size: 20 
Term:  Spring 2024 - Full Term (01/23/2024 - 05/06/2024)
CRN:  56653
Grade Mode:  Letter Grading
Course provides an introduction to the discipline of Philosophy of Science, but from an Earth Science perspective. Considers various philosophical perspectives on the nature of science and scientific progress, drawing from works by thinkers such as Aristotle, Popper, Kuhn and Lakatos. Particular attention is given to the following questions: What is scientific knowledge? Is the acquisition of scientific knowledge a rational process? And, what makes some scientific discoveries "revolutionary"? These questions are considered using examples from the history of scientific progress in the Earth Sciences, focusing on groundbreaking discoveries such as the age of the earth, the evolution of organisms as observed in the fossil record, sea-floor spreading, and modern-day global warming.
Registration Approval Required. Contact Instructor or Academic Department for permission then register through Webcat.
Only the following students: Honors Program
Attributes:  Inquiry (Discovery), Honors course, Environment,Tech&Society(Disc)
Instructors:  Rosemarie Came

Times & Locations

Start Date End Date Days Time Location
1/23/2024 5/6/2024 TR 9:40am - 11:00am JAMS 216