Nov 22, 2024  
2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

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PHI 152 - Scientific Reasoning

Semester Hours: 3
Periodically
This course presents a systematic approach to scientific reasoning. Topics to be covered include the fundamental ideas of reasoning (support, evidence, argument); the nature of scientific theories and the evidence that grounds scientific theories; statistical reasoning, reasoning about causes, and the relation between the two; ways scientific reasoning commonly goes awry; and how statistical reasoning can support decision-making under uncertainty. Students will practice a variety of arguments from real contexts. Particular attention is paid to science as it is presented for non-specialist audiences, as for instance in science journalism.





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