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Scientific and Technological Controversies - ARTS2305
 History and the Philosophy of Science

   
   
   
 
Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 30 units of credit at Level 1
 
 
Excluded: HPSC2600
 
 
CSS Contribution Charge:Band 1 (more info)
 
   
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
 
Available for General Education: Yes (more info)
 
  

Description

Subject Area: History and Philosophy of Science

Scientific and Technological Controversies take a particularly high profile today, dominating media coverage and broader community discussion of science and technology. This is because controversies are unrivaled in how they illuminate the collision of technical and contextual claims. While dominated by technical debate the uncertainty around which controversies revolve provides a space in which the value-laden differences between disputants play out.

This course provides advanced, research informed insights regarding controversy and how they can be understood and analysed. Year to year different staff will provide different theoretical accounts of Scientific and Technical Controversy integrating and further developing key ideas introduced in other level 2 History and Philosophy of Science courses and providing a stepping-stone to advanced History and Philosophy of Science courses. The course provides an excellent complement to other level 2 History and Philosophy of Science courses synthesising and integrating key ideas and providing advanced theoretical content.

This course examines Galileo's scientific discoveries and his defence of Copernicanism against Aristotle and the Church. It also examines "the greatest scandal in Christendom" - the trial and condemnation of Galileo by the Catholic Church in 1633. Issues raised include the perennial conflict between science and religion as well as central issues in the history and philosophy of science. Students will view Jupiter's moons and the phases of Venus, first seen by Galileo, and they will participate in a "re-trial" of Galileo re-enacting the Roman Inquisition hearing.

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.