| Course: | LPS/Phil 140 |
| Name: | Philosophy of Science |
| Description: | The positivist and neo-positivist
traditions in the philosophy of science:1900 to 1970 Lecture topics by week I. Basic metalogical concepts and results 1. Formal languages, theories, and models 2. Semantic and syntactic notions 3. Elementary concepts of model theory II. The influence of the foundations of geometry 4. Hilbert and the distinction between pure and applied geometry 5. Poincaré on the relative consistency of non-Euclidian geometry 6. The reception of Hilbert's and Poincaré's ideas by the Vienna Circle 7. Einstein on the nature of geometry III. Carnap's rational reconstruction of the language of physics 8. The theory/observation dichotomy and "reconstruction" 9. Basic properties of Ramsey and Carnap sentences 10. Critical assessment The main text for the course will be Carnap's philosophy of science text which is on order and should be in the bookstore. There are a number of selected readings that I have compiled which I will place on electronic reserve so that they may be downloaded. Other sources will be suggested in connection with the lectures, but will not be mandatory. Requirements for the course will be announced in the first week. Text: R. Carnap, An introduction to the philosophy of science ISBN 0486 28318 6 |