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 Adequate knowledge in mathematics, science and engineering subjects pertaining to the relevant discipline; ability to use theoretical and applied knowledge in these areas in complex engineering problems.
2. P02 Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems; ability to select and apply proper analysis and modelling methods for this purpose.
3. P03 Ability to design a complex system, process, device or product under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way as to meet the desired result; ability to apply modern design methods for this purpose.
4. P04 Ability to devise, select, and use modern techniques and tools needed for analysing and solving complex problems encountered in engineering practice; ability to employ information technologies effectively
5. P05 Ability to design and conduct experiments, gather data, analyse and interpret results for investigating complex engineering problems or discipline specific research questions
6. P06 Ability to work efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; ability to work individually.
7. P07 Ability to communicate effectively in Turkish, both orally and in writing; knowledge of a minimum of one foreign language; ability to write effective reports and comprehend written reports, prepare design and production reports, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear and intelligible instructions.
8. P08 Recognition of the need for lifelong learning ; ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continue to educate him/herself
9. P09 Consciousness to behave according to ethical principles and professional and ethical responsibility; knowledge on standards used in engineering practice.
10. P10 Knowledge about business life practices such as project management, risk management, and change management; awareness in entrepreneurship, innovation; knowledge about sustainable development.
11. P11 Knowledge about the global and social effects of engineering practices on health, environment, and safety, and contemporary issues of the century reflected into the field of engineering; awareness of the legal consequences of engineering solutions.

Po-Lo Matrix