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We will address how quantum mechanics has changed our view of physical reality; and how particle physics has had an impact on philosophical debates about realism in science.
Philosophy of Natural Sciences
We will interrogate the philosophical literature on mechanisms and causality by considering astrophysical mechanisms. In the philosophy of chemistry, we will assess the periodic table as a system of classification and particular philosophical problems presented by molecular structure and shape and biomolecular visualisation. We will also discuss problems common to both physics and chemistry such as problems of data, simulation and modelling.
Course Objectives:
- Students will be able to evaluate the key philosophical accounts of many core topics in the philosophy of the natural sciences.
- Students will be able to write philosophically cohesive essays, where philosophical theories are explained and arguments for them critically evaluated.
- Students will be able to discuss philosophical arguments systematically and present these to their peers.
Course Syllabus:
UCL Module Catalogue: Philosophy of the Natural Sciences (HPSC0050)