Scientific Method: Exploring Philosophy and Progress
Examine the nature of scientific progress and methodology in this 12-hour intermediate course.This course, led by Professor Michael Weisberg.
Examine the nature of scientific progress and methodology in this 12-hour intermediate course.This course, led by Professor Michael Weisberg.
This course, led by Professor Michael Weisberg, explores the philosophical underpinnings of scientific progress and methodology. Over four weeks, students will delve into key questions about the nature of scientific knowledge, the methods used to acquire it, and the role of values in scientific inquiry. The curriculum covers a range of topics including the generation of scientific knowledge through observations, experiments, and simulations; the concept of scientific objectivity and its failures; the self-correcting nature of the scientific community; the influence of values on science; the relationship between science and religion; and the role of the public in guiding scientific enterprise. Through a combination of video lectures, readings, quizzes, and discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of how science operates and progresses. The course encourages critical thinking about the scientific process and its role in society.
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What you'll learn
Understand the historical development and current state of scientific inquiry
Analyze the methods scientists use to generate knowledge, including observation, experimentation, and simulation
Examine the concept of scientific objectivity and its limitations
Evaluate the self-correcting mechanisms within the scientific community
Understand the role of values in scientific research and decision-making
Explore the relationship between science and religion
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
3 Hours PreRecorded video
4 quizzes,1 peer review
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FullTime access
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There are 4 modules in this course
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the philosophy of science, examining the foundations, methods, and implications of scientific inquiry. It begins by introducing students to core examples from various scientific disciplines, illustrating the diverse subjects and common methods in science. The curriculum then delves into scientific methodology, covering empirical approaches, observation techniques, experimental design, and the role of simulations in modern science. A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the concept of scientific objectivity, discussing its mechanisms, failures, and the distinction between science and pseudoscience. The final module explores the complex relationship between values and science, addressing questions about the ideal of value-free science, scientific freedom and responsibility, and the cultivation of scientific skepticism. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to apply philosophical thinking to real-world scientific issues, culminating in an analysis of science reporting. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a nuanced understanding of how science progresses and its role in society, equipping them with critical thinking skills applicable to both scientific and philosophical domains.
Introduction and Core Examples
Module 1 · 2 Hours to complete
Scientific Methods
Module 2 · 2 Hours to complete
Scientific Objectivity
Module 3 · 3 Hours to complete
Values in Science
Module 4 · 3 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
Payment options
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Instructor
Bridging Philosophy and Science
Dr. Michael Weisberg, Professor and Chair of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania, is a distinguished scholar known for his work on the philosophy of science, particularly the use of idealized models in understanding complex systems. He serves as Editor-in-Chief of Biology and Philosophy and co-directs the Penn Laboratory for Understanding Science and the Galápagos Education and Research Alliance. His initiatives extend beyond academia, addressing public misconceptions about science and advancing conservation efforts in the Galápagos. Weisberg’s interdisciplinary expertise spans philosophy, evolutionary biology, and public engagement, making his contributions influential across multiple domains.
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4.7 course rating
221 ratings
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