Back to Philosophy of Science
University of Pennsylvania

Philosophy of Science

For the last four centuries, scientists have aimed to provide us with an understanding of the world around us. By all appearances, science has made substantial progress during this time. But is this progress real or illusory? And if it is real, how has this progress been made? This four-week course will consider these important questions. Specific topics will include how scientists generate knowledge through observations, experiments, and simulations; scientific objectivity and failures of scientific objectivity; the self-correcting nature of the scientific community; the positive and negative influences that values can have on science; the relationship between science and religion; and the role of the public in guiding the scientific enterprise.

Status: Science and Research
Status: Data Collection
IntermediateCourse12 hours

Featured reviews

JG

5.0Reviewed Apr 15, 2020

Really nice and well-explained Course. I really enjoyed the information and activities. Gave me new ideas about how to think and plan my teaching.

MA

4.0Reviewed Nov 17, 2020

Enjoyed doing the course and certainly have learned a few principles related to the Philosophy of Science.

EA

5.0Reviewed May 4, 2020

Although this was first first course done with this system I felt it was done extremely well. Interaction with other students was made simple.

MP

4.0Reviewed Oct 5, 2022

I​ enjoyed this course very much, learning new concepts from a discipline I was a beginner. I am looking forward to know more!!

JB

5.0Reviewed Apr 13, 2022

G​reat course. I learned a lot. Inevitably selective, but that¿s alright. Thank you.

VF

4.0Reviewed Oct 20, 2020

a good course for undergrad students, well put together and entertaining.

RC

5.0Reviewed Jul 9, 2020

It was great session. I enjoyed and learned a lot. Kindly share some more science andvart integrated course. English proficiency and writing skills course also.

BJ

4.0Reviewed Jul 11, 2020

Gives clear insight into "What science is... and how it is done by scientists", if you have a tendency to criticize the scientific methods, I would recommend this course.

EG

5.0Reviewed Mar 5, 2020

A great introduction to the basis and the actual practice of science.

VM

5.0Reviewed Oct 31, 2021

Truly fantastic course. The philosophy of science can be made wonderful and almost magical.

T

5.0Reviewed Dec 30, 2020

Fantastic introduction into philosophy of science by Prof. Weisberg! Would love to see a part II of this course.

MM

5.0Reviewed Jan 17, 2022

I enjoyed this course, BUT I have completed it. And no, I didn't do assignments and there was nowhere where I could tick completed.

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 83

Fred Vacelet
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Reviewed Jul 18, 2020
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Reviewed Apr 16, 2020
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3.0
Reviewed Jun 23, 2021
Trenton Gin
5.0
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THOMAS KAROL
5.0
Reviewed Feb 26, 2020
Mary D Kracun
5.0
Reviewed Aug 28, 2020