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.
Offered By
Philosophy of Science
University of PennsylvaniaAbout this Course
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Coursera Labs
Includes hands on learning projects.
Learn more about Coursera Labs Intermediate Level
Approx. 12 hours to complete
English
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for BusinessFlexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Coursera Labs
Includes hands on learning projects.
Learn more about Coursera Labs Intermediate Level
Approx. 12 hours to complete
English
Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?
Try Coursera for BusinessOffered by
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
3 hours to complete
Introduction and Core Examples
3 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 38 min), 2 readings, 1 quiz
3 hours to complete
Scientific Methods
3 hours to complete
11 videos (Total 49 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
3 hours to complete
Scientific Objectivity
3 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 75 min), 1 reading, 1 quiz
3 hours to complete
Values in Science
3 hours to complete
4 videos (Total 23 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
Reviews
- 5 stars78.91%
- 4 stars14.05%
- 3 stars3.24%
- 2 stars1.08%
- 1 star2.70%
TOP REVIEWS FROM PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE
by EGMar 4, 2020
A great introduction to the basis and the actual practice of science.
by JGApr 14, 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.
by MMJun 23, 2020
Great experience! The course enlightened my approach in the way I think about science.
by SWMay 25, 2022
very enlightening course that can make you both open minded and analytically skeptical
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