vcc.ca
PHIL 2100: Philosophy of Science
Effective date
January 2026
Department
UT Humanities
School
Arts and Sciences
Description
This course examines the philosophical foundations of scientific inquiry, combining historical perspectives with contemporary issues in scientific practice. Special attention is paid to the challenges of inductivism, the nature of scientific progress, and the boundaries between science and other forms of knowledge. The course investigates fundamental concepts including scientific method, explanation, evidence, and the interplay between science, values, and society.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
PHIL 1100 or equivalent, or 12 credits of undergraduate coursework.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze core philosophical problems regarding scientific knowledge, method, and truth
- Evaluate different models of scientific explanation, evidence, and theory confirmation
- Apply philosophical frameworks to distinguish scientific from non-scientific claims
- Examine the relationship between science, values, and society
- Identify and evaluate ethical principles in scientific practice and research
- Analyze real-world scientific cases using philosophical concepts
- Evaluate contemporary debates in the philosophy of science
- Engage in collaborative philosophical discussion and analysis
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 60
Total Hours: 60
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
The course uses a combination of lectures, demonstrations, videos, group work, class discussions, and library research.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
D
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
20-30 |
Class and group discussions of select course topics with report, debate, and/or presentation components |
|
Portfolio |
20-30 |
Two to three analytical reports using target course concepts to examine real-world scientific cases |
|
Midterm Exam |
20-30 |
A summative exam that focuses on core concepts and their application. |
|
Other |
20-30 |
Two to three analytical essays that apply philosophical concepts with a relevant historical or contemporary focus |
Course topics
- Scientific Knowledge and Method - What counts as science? - Inductivism and its challenges - Scientific reasoning and explanation - Theory testing and confirmation
- Scientific Change and Progress - Popper’s theory of falsification - The structure of scientific revolutions - Kuhn’s theory of rationality - The role of evidence and experiment
- Demarcation and Scientific Authority - Science vs. pseudoscience - The role of expertise - Scientific consensus and disagreement - Interdisciplinary boundaries
- Scientific Realism and Anti-realism - The no-miracles argument - Constructive empiricism - Models and idealization - Laws of nature
- Science and Society - Values and ethics in science - Feminist approaches to science - Social dimensions of scientific practice - Science communication and public trust
- Current Challenges in Science - Big data in scientific practice - Climate science and uncertainty - Science in the age of AI - Ethical dilemmas today - The future of scientific inquiry
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.