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. Applies foundational nursing knowledge to meet individual, family, and community health needs by providing person-centred care that respects dignity, autonomy, privacy, and informed consent.
2. P02 2. Applies professional standards and quality management principles by using risk assessment, incident/near-miss reporting, audit/feedback, and continuous improvement to strengthen patient safety.
3. P03 3. Integrates theoretical and practical knowledge to deliver holistic preventive, curative, and rehabilitative nursing care by demonstrating therapeutic communication, empathy, and culturally safe practice.
4. P04 4. Delivers evidence-based, high-quality care using health information and communication technologies by documenting accurately, protecting confidentiality/data security, and using clinical technologies safely and appropriately.
5. P05 5. Identifies, analyses, and addresses healthcare problems by formulating clinical questions, searching and appraising evidence, applying findings to practice, and evaluating outcomes using a systematic, research-informed approach.
6. P06 6. Manages nursing care by prioritising, planning, implementing, and evaluating interventions; escalating concerns appropriately; and demonstrating accountability through accurate documentation and responsible delegation/supervision.
7. P07 7. Collaborates effectively within interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary teams by sharing timely information, respecting roles, engaging in constructive conflict management, and contributing actively to shared decision-making.
8. P08 8. Maintains lifelong learning by setting professional development goals, seeking and using feedback, engaging in reflective practice/portfolio work, and updating practice according to current scientific and technological developments.
9. P09 9. Plans and implements community-oriented projects and health promotion activities by using population data, collaborating with stakeholders, advocating for equitable health, and evaluating the impact of initiatives on community/public health.
10. P10 10. Upholds ethical principles by maintaining confidentiality, obtaining informed consent, ensuring fairness/non-discrimination, managing professional boundaries, and reporting unethical or unsafe practices according to regulations.
11. P11 11. Contributes to quality and professional development processes by participating in institutional quality activities , supporting in-field/out-of-field education through mentoring/teaching, and representing the nursing profession appropriately at national and international levels.
12. P12 12. Communicates professionally in at least one foreign language to access and use international evidence, collaborate with global peers, and provide safe, respectful communication for diverse populations.

Po-Lo Matrix