— Introduction to Philosophy of Science

Prerequisites & course information

This version has ended; see updated course, below. Course Description: Basic problems in the philosophy of science, common to the physical, biological, and social sciences. Analysis of explanation, confirmation theory, observational and theoretical terms, the nature of theories, operationalism and behaviorism, realism, reduction. Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s). Grade Mode: Letter. General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH) or Science & Engineering (SE); Scientific Literacy (SL); Writing Experience (WE). PHI 030 — Introduction to Philosophy of Science (4 units) Course Description: Basic problems in the philosophy of science, common to the physical, biological, and social sciences. Analysis of explanation, confirmation theory, observational and theoretical terms, the nature of theories, operationalism and behaviorism, realism, reduction. Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s). Grade Mode: Letter. General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH) or Science & Engineering (SE); Scientific Literacy (SL). This course version is effective from, and including: Fall Quarter 2026. Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s). Grade Mode: Letter. General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH) or Science & Engineering (SE); Scientific Literacy (SL); Writing Experience (WE). PHI 030 — Introduction to Philosophy of Science (4 units) Course Description: Basic problems in the philosophy of science, common to the physical, biological, and social sciences. Analysis of explanation, confirmation theory, observational and theoretical terms, the nature of theories, operationalism and behaviorism, realism, reduction. Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s). Grade Mode: Letter. General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH) or Science & Engineering (SE); Scientific Literacy (SL). This course version is effective from, and including: Fall Quarter 2026.