Science 240. Outline for Lecture I.

I. The Connection between Science and Philosophy

A. Science and Philosophy Differ in the Types of Questions asked and In their Methods

1. Scientific questions are about nature. Answered within a framework of accepted empirical methods
2. Philosophical questions are about the framework which science assumes. Answered only by nonempirical methods of logical reasoning.

B. Why Philosophy is Important to Science

1. Doing science assumes answers to philosophical issues
2. Philosophy has led to new scientific theories
3. Philosophical techniques used in science
4. Important for the public to have a philosophical understanding of science

C. Why Science is Important to Philosophy

1. Philosophy without science runs the risk of being irrelevant and out-of-touch with reality.

II. The Relation of the Course to the "Science Wars.

A. Side #1: The Traditional, Enlightment Conception of Science.

1. The Methods of Science are Completely Objective
2. Science yields truths
3. A worldview based on science is the best for all social and intellectual progress

B. Side #2: The Enlightenment View of science is a complete fiction.

1. No objective methods in science
2. Science never yields genuine truths
3. A worldview based on science is not the only means to social and intellectual progress , and may even be detrimental.

C. Semester Goal: Stake out your own position and be able to defend it.