PHIL160

043650

In this class, we'll work to identify the distinction between science and pseudoscience and determine why the former is a body of genuine knowledge about the world while the latter isn't. This is fundamentally a question for the philosophy of science, but which sciences will we philosophize about? We'll both study and practice the scientific method from the perspectives of two disciplines: astronomy and psychology. We'll consider the theoretical and practical difficulties associated with the scientific method, and treat pseudoscientific belief as a subject of scientific inquiry as well. Why, if the science is so good, do people end up believing false things anyway? In answering these questions, we'll investigate how students, as philosophers, astronomers and psychologists, could communicate their knowledge and work to the public to help stop the spread of pseudoscientific misinformation.

GRD - Regular Grades A, B, C, D, E

Undergraduate

GEED - BC (Gen Ed: Building Connections)