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 Gain the ability to apply the Pharmacy profession.
2. P02 Interpret the accuracy and reliability of the current theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of pharmacy, as well as being able to follow and evaluate innovations.
3. P03 Practically apply the knowledge they gain on pharmaceutical sciences. The acquired knowledge and skills allow the graduates to act as the closest health consultant to the public with the ability to inform the public.
4. P04 Evaluate and apply current technology related to basic subjects and principles covering pharmacy and health sciences and take part in in-service training seminars.
5. P05 Know the risks and evaluation of the use of drugs and other chemicals and safe laboratory practices (GMP).
6. P06 Acquire the ability to interpret the findings obtained by qualitative and quantitative measurements and to reach valid scientific results from the data.
7. P07 Prepare pharmaceuticals and provide guidance on the use of pharmaceutical products.
8. P08 Design research and develop projects related to pharmaceutical products; manage and share the results.
9. P09 Be competent to accurately and intelligibly communicate and transfer knowledge about prescription content and pharmaceutical products to the patient / user. The graduates are trained on taking necessary precautions for safe drug usage and encouraging rational drug use, as well as providing consultancy and supervision.
10. P10 Work in an interdisciplinary environment. Graduates can cooperate with other professional groups, participate in vocational training and activities, have proper knowledge and communication skills.
11. P11 Take part in social responsibility projects related to health. Graduates have awareness on sustainable environment and participate in activities and practices related to their profession.
12. P12 Open a community pharmacy, also work in hospital pharmacies, can work in different fields related with pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical and herbal products, as well as production and quality control in the pharmaceutical industry. Takes part in the professional development of herself/himself, her/his colleagues and pharmacy students.
13. P13 Implements the legal and professional law and ethics as a health professional, in issues concerning public health.
14. P14 Knows and applies the processes related to drug design from natural or synthetic sources, as well as development, preparation, analysis and metabolism of drugs in the human body.

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