PHIL 2150 Philosophical Perspectives on Science
This course is an examination of the scientific enterprise with the tools of modern analytic philosophy. Topics include: the structure of a scientific theory; evidence and knowledge in science; the nature of scientific explanations; and the role of values in science. As paradigmatic examples, we will examine major breakthroughs by Archimedes, Newton, Darwin, and Einstein. Open to science and pre-med majors.
Course overview
- Department
- Philosophy
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Periodically in the Fall, Periodically in the Spring
Catalog details
- Prerequisites
- Open to science and pre-med majors.
- Satisfies core
- Philosophy
Requirements fulfilled
- Philosophy: Free Philosophy electives (five courses, 15 credits); up to two approved cognate courses in other departments may also count (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Philosophy: Two Core courses in Philosophy (6 credits): one of the approved Philosophy Core sequences (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- University Core: Philosophy (All undergraduates)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.31 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.59 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 5
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Marius Stan | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 1–3 hrs/week | 16 of 18 |
| Fall 2024 | Marius Stan | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 1–3 hrs/week | 17 of 19 |
| Fall 2023 | Marius Stan | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 19 of 24 |
| Fall 2022 | Marius Stan | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 1–3 hrs/week | 20 of 25 |
| Fall 2021 | Marius Stan | 4.4 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 1–3 hrs/week | 13 of 26 |