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Fall 2003 |
Prof. D. deB. Beaver Bronfman 117; ext. 2239 Office Hours: call or drop in |
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The purpose of this course is to examine and assess the nature of science and technology, and their interactions with each other and with society, focussing especially on their influence on what humans value. As an introduction to science and technology studies (STS), it provides acquaintance with the major positions and schools in STS. The course employs a variety of perspectives and approaches, including the historical, philosophical, sociological, and quantitative. Consequently it is concerned with obtaining a broad overview of the diversity of thought about science and technology rather than a deep analysis of any one school or interpretation. The attempt to acquire a more sophisticated and comprehensive picture of science and technology is ultimately aimed at enabling a more critical and knowledgeable consideration of how social and individual values mold, and in turn are molded by, scientific and technological developments. To that end, the course concerns itself with questions in ethics, social responsibility, human nature, and public policy. Class meetings (MWF 10:00 - 10:50 a.m.) primarily consist of discussion of issues and questions raised in the assigned reading. Requirements: Class participation, 3 exercises, 2 papers (#1: 3-5 pp, #2: 5-7 pp), 2 hour exams, and a short quiq, each respectively worth approximately 20%, 20%, 30%, 28%, and 2% towards the final grade, which will be sensitive to active class participation [attendance, quality & frequency of interaction] Textbooks: The required texts for the course are: Bronowski, J.
Science and Human Values
1. H. Bauer So-called
"scientific method" (Sep. 10) |
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