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: Simulations
Status: Experimentation
IntermediateCourse12 hours

Featured reviews

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.

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.

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.

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!!

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.

PE

5.0Reviewed Feb 24, 2020

Help me to go back to my philosophy course as undergrad. This is a remind of critical thinking and how do you examine science and its contents. Great course

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.

RP

5.0Reviewed Jun 8, 2020

Quite neatly put together. The professor is a great speaker and is neutral in presenting the views. This is a must take for all budding researchers!

MM

5.0Reviewed Jun 24, 2020

Great experience! The course enlightened my approach in the way I think about science.

JB

5.0Reviewed Apr 13, 2022

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

All reviews

Showing: 20 of 81

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
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THOMAS KAROL
5.0
Reviewed Feb 26, 2020
Mary D Kracun
5.0
Reviewed Aug 28, 2020