— Appraising Scientific Reasoning

Prerequisites & course information

This version has ended; see updated course, below. Course Description: Introduction to scientific hypotheses and the kinds of reasoning used to justify such hypotheses. Emphasis on adequate justification, criteria, and strategies for distinguishing scientific from pseudoscientific theories. Concrete historical and contemporary cases. 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 031 — Appraising Scientific Reasoning (4 units) Course Description: Introduction to scientific hypotheses and the kinds of reasoning used to justify such hypotheses. Emphasis on adequate justification, criteria, and strategies for distinguishing scientific from pseudoscientific theories. Concrete historical and contemporary cases. 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 031 — Appraising Scientific Reasoning (4 units) Course Description: Introduction to scientific hypotheses and the kinds of reasoning used to justify such hypotheses. Emphasis on adequate justification, criteria, and strategies for distinguishing scientific from pseudoscientific theories. Concrete historical and contemporary cases. 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.