Descriptif

This course introduces students to foundational concepts in the philosophy of science and technology. It asks the question of the relationship of philosophy to science and technology throughout history, examines some examples of encounters between science and philosophy with an emphasis on their social and political context and encourages students to exercise their own judgement on contemporary issues in philosophy of science. The introduction to the course is based on a discussion of the “Greek miracle” associated with the Milesian school of philosophy. The course has then three main sections: (i) an introduction to Aristotle’s theory of science, with particular emphasis on his explanation of living nature; (ii) an inquiry into curiosity for monsters and wonders, and the transformations of the moral economy of science from Augustine to the 19^thcentury; (iii) an introduction to the concept of style in philosophy of science.

This course is not open to International Exchange program students