2 classes matched your search criteria.
PHIL 1005 is also offered in Spring 2025
PHIL 1005 is also offered in Fall 2022
Fall 2020 | PHIL 1005 Section 001: Scientific Reasoning (33174)
- Instructor(s)
- Class Component:
- Lecture
- Instructor Consent:
- No Special Consent Required
- Instruction Mode:
- In Person Term Based
- Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
Tue,
Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 310
- Enrollment Status:
Open (31 of 34 seats filled)
- Also Offered:
- Course Catalog Description:
- How does science work? What is scientific method? How to evaluate scientific information in popular media or specialized publications, especially when it relates to technology used in everyday life? General reasoning skills. prereq: [1st or 2nd] yr student or instr consent
- Class Description:
- Every day we are bombarded by information derived from scientific research on issues such as genetic engineering and global warming. These claims are directly related to technologies that shape our modern society (e.g., genetically modified food and modes of transportation), and are also central components of contentious public policy discussions. Sometimes the claims appear contradictory, such as those about nutritional benefits: are red wine and chocolate really good for us? What makes claims about these topics 'scientific'? What is the form of the reasoning that supports them? How can we make informed evaluations of scientific claims and their technological outcomes in order to participate knowledgeably in our society's political process and make the best choices in our everyday life? This course addresses these questions (and more) through an introductory analysis of the nature of scientific reasoning. We will evaluate characteristics of theoretical, causal, and statistical hypotheses by exploring a variety of case studies from past and present scientific research. Along the way we will apply our discoveries to contested domains, such as reports about extraterrestrials or astrological inference, and consider models of decision making that inform our day-to-day choices, especially when we lack or are unable to secure relevant scientific information. This course is designed for students of all majors with an interest in the topic.
- Grading:
- 25% Final Exam
24% Reports/Papers
24% Quizzes
1% Attendance
2% Class Participation
24% Problem Solving Other Grading Information: Attendance/class participation percentages pertain to discussion sections and online forums, not lectures.
- Exam Format:
- Short answer
- Class Format:
- 65% Lecture
30% Discussion
5% Web Based
- Workload:
- ~25 Pages Reading Per Week
~7 Pages Writing Per Term
3 Exam(s)
3 Paper(s)
7 Homework Assignment(s)
- Textbooks:
- https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33174/1209
- Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
- 5 March 2012
Fall 2020 | PHIL 1005 Section 003: Scientific Reasoning (33176)
- Instructor(s)
- Class Component:
- Discussion
- Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 310
- Auto Enrolls With:
- Section 001
- Enrollment Status:
Open (31 of 34 seats filled)
- Course Catalog Description:
- How does science work? What is scientific method? How to evaluate scientific information in popular media or specialized publications, especially when it relates to technology used in everyday life? General reasoning skills. prereq: [1st or 2nd] yr student or instr consent
- Class Description:
- Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
- Textbooks:
- https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33176/1209
ClassInfo Links - Fall 2020 Philosophy Classes