PHIL 340

Philosophy of Science

Winter Quarter 2008

Dr. Jeff Johnson

This quarter we will approach the general topic of the philosophy of science through a detailed analysis of the role, methodology, and philosophical implications of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection.  Our entry point will be Daniel Dennett's Darwin's Dangerous Idea.  My hope is that you will come out of our course with a much greater understanding of the nature of scientific research, explanation, and theory construction in the natural sciences, particularly modern biology.  In addition, I want to explore some of the implications, both philosophical and social scientific, of "Darwin's dangerous idea" in psychology, philosophy, and theology.  Finally, I want us to address some of the more general cultural reactions and controversies concerning Darwin and this general approach to understanding life and human life.

UWR Outcomes for Upper Division Writing Intensive Courses:

• Students will produce at least 5,000 words (including drafts, in-class writing, informal papers, and polished papers); 2,000 words of this total should be in polished papers which students have revised after receiving feedback and criticism.

• Students will practice the forms of writing and reflect upon the nature of the writing used by graduates and professionals in the discipline the course represents.

• Students will write at least one paper integrating information from more than one source, employing the appropriate documentation style for the discipline represented by the course.

• Students will draft, revise, and edit their formal written work.

• Students will seek assistance from a Writing Tutor in the Writing Lab when needed and when referred by the instructor.

Additional Outcomes:

1. Understand the nature of scientific research

2. Understand the nature of scientific explanation

3. Understand the nature of scientific theory construction

4. Understand Darwin's theory of natural selection

5. Understand Darwin's theory of descent with modification

6. Understand the interplay of Darwin's theories and modern genetics

7. Understand the puzzles and emerging theories of the origin of life

8. Understand the concept and implications of punctuated equilibrium

9. Understand the concept of sexual selection

10. Understand the controversies regarding the origin and function of sex

11. Understand the controversies regarding the origin and function of language

12. Understand the controversies regarding the origin and function of consciousness

13. Understand the controversies regarding the origin and function of morality

14. Read scientific and philosophical texts critically an with understanding

15. Write effectively about scientific and philosophical controversies

Means of Assessment and Grading:

• Open-note, open-book, timed midterm essay examination -- 25% of course grade (outcomes 1-7, and 14 and 15)

• Open-note, open-book, timed final essay examination -- 25% of course grade (outcomes 8-15)

• Focused analytical paper on natural selection and descent with modification -- 20% of course grade (outcomes 4, 5, 14, and 15)

• Major analytical paper on a contemporary controversy regarding natural selection -- 30% of course grade (outcomes 1-15)

• Please note: a grade of at least C- is required in order for this course to count toward the University Writing Requirement 

ACADEMIC HONESTY

I am including below Eastern's Academic Honesty Code.  It is vitally important that you carefully read it, and that you understand that it is my intention to follow this code to the letter.  I really can't think of a better way to ruin your experience with this course, than to disregard this code.  Obviously, if you have any questions, I can't urge you too strongly to ask me.

ACADEMIC HONESTY CODE

All members of the Eastern Oregon University academic community are responsible for compliance with its Academic Honesty Code. Students are required to report violations to the respective faculty member of a course. Provisions of the Academic Honesty Code are:

1. Collaboration while taking any quizzes, in-class examinations, or take home examinations without the instructor's written approval is forbidden. The faculty member is responsible for defining limits for other collaborative learning activities for each course.

2. Plagiarism or representation of the work of others as one's own is forbidden. The faculty member will make clear the format for properly citing sources of information not original by the student.

3. Explicit approval by all instructors is required if the same work is to be submitted to more than one course, even if is not within the same term.

Violations of the Academic Honesty Code may result in both academic and behavioral penalties including possible suspension or expulsion from the University.

An automatic grade of zero for any work which is a violation of the Academic Honesty Code will be assigned by the instructor. The instructor may also assign a grade of F for the course after discussion with the respective School Dean. Students may appeal the course grade to the respective School Dean, who is the final level of appeal on the matter of course grade penalties for academic dishonesty.

The faculty member is also required to file a disciplinary complaint to the Vice President for Student Affairs about any student believed to have violated the Academic Honesty Code. If deemed appropriate, hearing procedures will be implemented by a University Hearing Officer as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. Possible sanctions considered by the Student Conduct Committee include probation, suspension, and expulsion.

TENTATIVE CALENDAR