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 Knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, basic engineering, computer-based computation, and topics specific to the relevant engineering discipline.
2. P02 Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, basic engineering, computer-based computation, and topics specific to the relevant engineering discipline to the solution of complex engineering problems.
3. P03 Ability to define complex engineering problems by using knowledge of basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering, while considering the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to the problem addressed.
4. P04 Ability to formulate complex engineering problems using knowledge of basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering, while considering the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) associated with the problem addressed.
5. P05 Ability to analyse and solve complex engineering problems using knowledge of basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering, while considering the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) associated with the problem addressed.
6. P06 Ability to design creative solutions to complex engineering problems.
7. P07 Ability to design complex systems, processes, devices, or products in a way that meets present and future needs while considering realistic constraints and conditions.
8. P08 Ability to select and use appropriate techniques and resources—including estimation and modelling—for the analysis and solution of complex engineering problems, while being aware of their limitations.
9. P09 Ability to select and use modern engineering and computational tools—including estimation and modelling—for the analysis and solution of complex engineering problems, while being aware of their limitations.
10. P10 Ability to conduct literature research and use appropriate research methods for the investigation of complex engineering problems.
11. P11 Ability to design experiments for the investigation of complex engineering problems.
12. P12 Ability to conduct experiments, collect data, analyse results, and interpret findings for the investigation of complex engineering problems.
13. P13 Knowledge of the impacts of engineering practices on society, health and safety, the economy, sustainability, and the environment within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
14. P14 Awareness of the legal implications of engineering solutions within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
15. P15 Knowledge of ethical responsibility and adherence to the principles of professional engineering conduct.
16. P16 Awareness of acting impartially without discrimination in any matter and of being inclusive of diversity.
17. P17 Ability to work effectively as an individual.
18. P18 Ability to work effectively as a team member or leader in intra-disciplinary teams (face-to-face, remote, or hybrid).
19. P19 Ability to work effectively as a team member or leader in multidisciplinary teams (face-to-face, remote, or hybrid).
20. P20 Ability to communicate effectively in spoken form on technical matters, taking into account the diverse characteristics of the target audience (such as education, language, and profession).
21. P21 Ability to communicate effectively in written form on technical matters, taking into account the diverse characteristics of the target audience (such as education, language, and profession).
22. P22 Knowledge of professional practices such as project management and economic feasibility analysis.
23. P23 Awareness of entrepreneurship and innovation.
24. P24 Ability for independent and lifelong learning.
25. P25 Ability to adapt to new and emerging technologies.
26. P26 Lifelong learning ability that includes the capacity to think critically about technological changes.

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