SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND CRITICAL THINKING

Course Description

This course is an introductory course in philosophy of science, with a special emphasis on the scientific method. The course covers basic topics in philosophy of science such as scientific method, scientific explanation, causality, reduction and reductionism, natural laws, demarcation between science and pseudoscience, the relation between evidence and hypothesis, and scientific progress. The works of some important thinkers such as Carl Hempel, Karl Popper, Thomas Kuhn and Imre Lakatos are introduced. The course is also aimed at providing the students the necessary critical thinking skills. For this aim, some basic rules of formal logic, the distinction between deductive and inductive arguments, common cognitive biases and logical fallacies are also discussed.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD AND CRITICAL THINKING

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

No evaluation items have been defined.

Course outcomes

1. 01 Define induction, confirmation, deduction, validity, soundness
2. 02 Classify logical fallacies into types such as slippery slope, ad hominem, etc.
3. 03 Describe the relation between science and philosophy
4. 04 Compare the views of major philosophers of science.
5. 05 List the philosophical problems associated with causation, realism, explanation and reduction.
6. 06 Distinguish science from pseudoscience.

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Godfrey-Smith, P. (2003) Theory and Reality. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
2. 02 Rosenberg, R. (2005) Philosophy of Science: A Contemporary Introduction. Routledge.
3. 03 Solomon, R. C. & Higgins, M. C. (2010). The Big Questions. Wadsworth.

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 Define induction, confirmation, deduction, validity, soundness
2. L02 Classify logical fallacies into types such as slippery slope, ad hominem, etc.
3. L03 Describe the relation between science and philosophy
4. L04 Compare the views of major philosophers of science.
5. L05 List the philosophical problems associated with causation, realism, explanation and reduction.
6. L06 Distinguish science from pseudoscience.
7. L07 Define induction, confirmation, deduction, validity, soundness. SOLO 3
8. L08 Classify logical fallacies into types such as slippery slope, ad hominem, etc. SOLO 3
9. L09 Describe the relation between science and philosophy. SOLO 3
10. L10 Compare the views of major philosophers of science. SOLO 4
11. L11 List the philosophical problems associated with causation, realism, explanation and reduction. SOLO 3
12. L12 Distinguish science from pseudoscience. SOLO 4

Program Outcomes

1. P01 1. Gained the necessary skills to learn and adopt a spirit of continuous learning in their professional life.
2. P02 2. Developed various skills by working independently via specific learned techniques that both triggered individual efforts and encouraged collaborative work.
3. P03 3. Acquired the essential knowledge and skills to apply key theories, models and applications within the global business context.
4. P04 4. Adopted and applied critical and strategic thinking together with research capabilities for efficient and effective business decisions.
5. P05 5. Utilized and managed ethically information technologies required for contemporary business world.
6. P06 6. Been equipped with conceptual and analytical skills necessary for team work within global organizations.
7. P07 7. Displayed their learnt communication skills that are required to effectively interact in a cross cultural and diverse international work environment.
8. P08 8. Applied their acquired knowledge within the changing work environment.
9. P09 9. Developed an understanding of ethical perspectives and social responsibilities to be used at work and in personal life.

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