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 Has up-to-date theoretical and applied knowledge about Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.
2. P02 Identifies and defines problems using up-to-date knowledge in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and plans treatment as per evaluation results.
3. P03 Implements and monitors the development of physiotherapy and rehabilitation processes within the frame of professional ethical principles, and changes or terminates processes when necessary
4. P04 Executes the necessary protocols for physiotherapy and rehabilitation practices by using the relevant technology, training and treatment equipment
5. P05 Takes responsibility, individually and as a team member, to solve complex unpredictable problems encountered in practices related to the field of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.
6. P06 Can independently carry out projects and research related to the field of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, actively participates in all its steps and makes the necessary reports to provide quality service.
7. P07 Contributes to the protection of public health in line with social needs and to the creation of necessary rehabilitation and health policies in parallel with the needs of the society.
8. P08 Embraces personal development, information literacy and lifelong learning; uses information resources effectively.
9. P09 Commands a foreign language in order to follow the developments in the field of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, as well as the ability to communicate in Turkish orally and in writing.
10. P10 Organizes physiotherapy and rehabilitation services effectively and adequately, manages processes necessary for the continuity and development of the quality and organizational function; generates solutions against problems in line with knowledge and evidence.
11. P11 Contributes to in-field and extra-field education and professional promotion programs, and represents its profession at national and international level.

Po-Lo Matrix