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 Should have sufficient knowledge in mathematics, science, and subjects specific to the relevant engineering discipline.
2. P02 Should have the ability to use theoretical and applied knowledge in mathematics, science, and related engineering disciplines in complex engineering problems.
3. P03 Should have the ability to detect, define, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems.
4. P04 Should have the ability to select and apply appropriate analysis and modeling methods to solve complex engineering problems.
5. P05 Should have the ability to design a complex system, process, device, or product to meet specific requirements under realistic constraints and conditions.
6. P06 Should have the ability to apply modern design methods.
7. P07 Should have the ability to develop, select, and use modern techniques and tools necessary for the analysis and solution of complex problems encountered in engineering applications.
8. P08 Should have the ability to use information technologies effectively.
9. P09 Should have the ability to design experiments, for the study of complex problems or discipline-specific research topics.
10. P10 Should have the ability to conduct experiments, collect data, analyze and interpret results for the study of complex problems or discipline-specific research topics.
11. P11 Should have the ability to work in intradisciplinary teams.
12. P12 Should have the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
13. P13 Should have the skills to work individually.
14. P14 Should have the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
15. P15 Should have the knowledge of at least one foreign language.
16. P16 Should be able to write effective reports, understand written reports, and prepare design and production reports.
17. P17 Should have the ability to make effective presentations.
18. P18 Should have the ability to give and have clear and understandable instructions.
19. P19 Should gain consciousness (awareness) about the necessity of lifelong learning.
20. P20 Should have the ability to access information.
21. P21 Should have the ability to follow developments in science and technology and constantly renew himself/herself.
22. P22 Should gain the awareness of professional and ethical responsibility and should act in accordance with ethical principles.
23. P23 Should gain knowledge about the standards used in engineering applications.
24. P24 Should gain knowledge about project management, risk management, and change management practices in business life.
25. P25 Should gain awareness about entrepreneurship, and innovation.
26. P26 Should gain knowledge about development in sustainability.
27. P27 Should gain knowledge about the effects of engineering practices on health, environment, and security at universal and social dimensions and the problems of the age reflected in the field of engineering.
28. P28 Awareness should be gained about the legal consequences of engineering solutions.

Po-Lo Matrix