PHIL282 HISTORY OF SCIENCE

Course Code:2410282
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):4 (4.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:6.0
Department:Philosophy
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Assoc.Prof.Dr. SAMET BAĞÇE
Offered Semester:Fall and Spring Semesters.

Course Objectives

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course contains a critical historical,  philosophical and methodological review of the rise of modern science, with special emphasis on “the scientific revolution” of the 17th and 18th centuries.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:The main objective of this course is then to furnish students with the necessary historical, philosophical and technical (formal) tools to understand and assess scientific activity and progress as well as to have a clear idea of what critical thinking and obtaining new piece of scientific knowledge amount to.

COURSE TOPICS: In this course the scientific revolution that started with Copernicus and culminated with Galileo and Kepler, Descartes and Newton will be studied as well as the necessary philosophical and methodological background information in a historical manner to understand and assess the scientific revolution -including the mechanical philosophy of the 17th and 18tth centuries. 


Course Content

Problems of the development of science through history.


Course Learning Outcomes

Student, who passed the course satisfactorily will be able to:

understand basic concepts of philosophy of science and historical epochs of science.

follow basic concepts of philosophy of science in different scientific periods;

to appreciate and distinguish different scientific problems from philosophical and historical perspectives.


Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Have the knowledge and skills of research method which is a requirement in order to be successful in academic studies.
2Have the capacity for applying philosophical knowledge to scientific and social issues.
3Examine and analyze a subject matter and make philosophical interpretations on it.
4Have the skills of critical thinking, analytical approach, problem solving, multi-dimensional view, making inferences and interpretations regarding to philosophical texts and scientific facts.
5Identify the basic concepts and issues in philosophy.
6Evaluate and understand the underlying philosophical assumptions of fundamental and social sciences.
7Have capacity to make interdisciplinary readings and analysis.
8Have verbal and written presentation and effective communication skills, be open to team work and do interdisciplinary study.
9Make connections between contemporary ethical, social, cultural, esthetic and politic issues.
10Interpret the historical development of scientific and philosophical questions.
11Have knowledge about contemporary philosophical issues and their relations to other disciplines.
12Use modern information tools in order to make research in philosophy.
13Improve their professional and personal skills lifelong.
14Use information technologies effectively in domain applications in philosophy.
15Have self-confidence and develop original ideas regarding to philosophy.
16Have social and ethical responsibility regarding to contemporary issues.
17Have good knowledge of English, research method and computer skills and use these skills effectively.
18Comprehend the basic theories and issues in sub-disciplines of philosophy.
19Have an advanced knowledge in certain specific fields such as environment, technology, culture, art etc.

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution