— Understanding Scientific Change

Prerequisites & course information

This version has ended; see updated course, below. Course Description: Concepts of scientific change in historical and philosophical perspective. Survey of models of growth of knowledge, 17th century to present. Relationship between logic of theories and theory choice. Kuhns revolution model. Examples from various sciences. Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s). Grade Mode: Letter. General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH) or Science & Engineering (SE); Writing Experience (WE). PHI 032 — Understanding Scientific Change (4 units) Course Description: Concepts of scientific change in historical and philosophical perspective. Survey of models of growth of knowledge, 17th century to present. Relationship between logic of theories and theory choice. Kuhns revolution model. Examples from various sciences. Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s). Grade Mode: Letter. General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH) or Science & Engineering (SE). 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); Writing Experience (WE). PHI 032 — Understanding Scientific Change (4 units) Course Description: Concepts of scientific change in historical and philosophical perspective. Survey of models of growth of knowledge, 17th century to present. Relationship between logic of theories and theory choice. Kuhns revolution model. Examples from various sciences. Learning Activities: Lecture 3 hour(s), Discussion 1 hour(s). Grade Mode: Letter. General Education: Arts & Humanities (AH) or Science & Engineering (SE). This course version is effective from, and including: Fall Quarter 2026.