Introduction to Philosophy of Science

Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Study of selected problems concerning the character and reliability of scientific understanding, such as nature of scientific theory and explanation, reality of theoretical entities, inductive confirmation of hypotheses, and occurrence of scientific revolutions. Discussion at nontechnical level of episodes from history of science. P/NP or letter grading.

Review Summary

Clarity
6.7 / 10
Organization
8.3 / 10
Time
0-5 hrs/week
Overall
5.0 / 10

Reviews

    Quarter Taken: Fall 2022 In-Person
    Grade: A

    recommend using his lecture notes to help study. the finals and midterms are too much of a stress if you study the notes

    Quarter Taken: Fall 2022 In-Person
    Grade: A+

    Professor lectured well when uninterrupted, but when anyone asked a question he sort of went off the rails. Class started off very slow but got a bit more interesting, midterm and final were easy

    Quarter Taken: Fall 2023 In-Person
    Grade: A

    LOVED HIM! EASY A!
    -lectures were disorgianized, you do not need to go just read the summaireis he posts
    -one paper, 2 midterms
    -just know everything on the study guide

    Quarter Taken: Fall 2023 In-Person
    Grade: A

    Just follow the study guide and you are good for the midterm/final. Professor Smith is really sweet and his office hours are great, your TA is probably the best help.

Course

Instructor
Sheldon Smith
Previously taught
23F 22F 21S 20S 18F 18S 16W 15W 14W 13W 12W 11S 10S 09S 08S 07W 05F 04S

Grading Information

  • No group projects

  • Attendance not required

  • 1 midterm

  • Finals week final

  • 25% recommend the textbook