Course Identification

The course will examine topics from the history and philosophy of science. The overarching theme will be the contrast between, on the one hand, the ancient, specifically Aristotelian, world-view, and the world-view that results from the "scientific revolution":

* The Copernican revolution 

* Forces and causation up to Newtonian mechanics

* The concepts of atom and element in chemistry, and their interaction

* Teleological concepts in biology

* Mutual influences between mathematics and science

* Space, time and causation in relativity theory

* A window into 20th century philosophy of science

Upon successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1. Place scientific material in a broader historical context;
2. Display acquaintance with the thought of major philosophers of science in history (Aristotle, Kant, etc.). 
3. Critically and philosophically assess scientific frameworks and concepts
4. Distinguish clearly between theory and methodology and identify the philosophical commitments that are involved in a methodological choice.

To be given