Philosophy 220 - Philosophy of Science

This course covers some classic topics and debates in philosophy of science, such as the problem of induction: can prior observations give us reason to make predictions about things we have not observed? Other questions discussed may include: Can science tell us about things that we cannot directly observe? What counts as evidence for a scientific hypothesis, and when (if ever) may we say that such a hypothesis is confirmed? What problems arise when we use approximations, false theories (like Newtonian mechanics), or models? What is the role of moral or social values in science? This course is recommended for those interested in the natural sciences, but no specific preparation is required.