Fall 2005 Graduate Courses
  (Previous Semesters)

Nota Bene: The new system of course numbering is in effect for Fall 2005. Courses are listed here according to their new numbers. The old numbers are given in parentheses.

HPS 83100 (500)
HPS Colloquium 4:15-5:30 T (Howard)
1 Cr. Hr.
Graduate Students Only

Group Discussion by the HPS faculty and students of a prominent recent work in the field of HPS and research presentations by visiting scholars. Required course for HPS students in first and second years of the HPS Program.

HPS 83801 (581)
Philosophy of Science TR 12:30-1:45 (Howard)
3 Cr. Hr.
Crosslist: PHIL 83801
Graduate Students Only

A survey of major problems, movements, and thinkers in twentieth-century philosophy of science. The course begins with a look at the historical background to logical empiricism, its rise to prominence, and its early critics, such as Popper. After a study of major problems in the neo-positivst tradition, such as confirmation, explanation, and the nature of scientific laws, historicist critiques of neo-positivism, chiefly Kuhn's will be studied next, followed by a consideration of the realism-instrumentalism debate. The course concludes with a brief look at new perspectives, such as social constructivism and feminist philosophy of science.

Readings: Thomas S. Kuhn, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, 2nd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1970. Additional readings will be contained in a course packet.

Requirements: Students will write mid-term and final essay examinations and a fifteen-page term paper on a topic to be chosen in consultation with the instructor.

HPS 93651
Science and Democracy in the 20th Century T-Th 11:00-12:15 (Stapleford)
3 Cr. Hr.

Since the early twentieth century, American intellectuals have argued about the relationship between science and democracy, most notably about the role that scientific expertise should play in politics and public policy. Nearly everyone agreed that scientific knowledge (including both the social and natural sciences) should inform political action in some way, but how and to what extent was another matter.  Such debates continue today in many policy arenas, like environmental research, economic policy, and drug regulation. Using primary and secondary sources, this seminar will examine the history of public debates about the relationship between science and democracy, beginning with material from the early twentieth century and ending with literature from the field of science & technology studies. Requirements include substantial reading, class discussion, and a final paper

HPS 93711 (566)
History of Modern Astronomy MW 1:30-2:45 (Crowe)
3 Cr. Hr.
Crosslist: STV 40166 (466)

This course will treat a number of topics in the history of astronomy in the period from 1700 to the present. About half the course will be devoted to the development of galactic and extra-galactic astronomy from the creation of the “island universe” theory in the eighteenth century to the expanding universe theory of the twentieth century. Another topic that will definitely be treated, although on a more limited scale, is the history of ideas of extraterrestrial intelligent life. Other areas that may be included are: the rise of astrophysics, planetary discoveries from Uranus to Pluto, astronomical instruments and observatories, radio astronomy, and American astronomy. Special attention will be given to philosophically and religiously significant aspects of the history of astronomy. Persons interested in philosophy of science, history of science, astronomy, physics, or the relations of astronomy to religion and literature may find this course of value. No specific background in astronomy is assumed. For further information, contact Prof. Crowe at crowe.1@nd.edu.

Requirements: A research paper, mid-term, and the final exam.

HPS 93742 (577)
History of Economic Thought MW 3:00-4:15 (Mirowski)
3 Cr. Hr.
Crosslist: ECON 43130
Graduate Students Only

This course intends to ask how it is that we have arrived at this curious configuration of doctrines now called "economics"; and importantly, how differing modes of historical discourse tend to ratify us in our prejudices about our own possible involvement in this project. The course will begin in the 18th century with the rise of a self-conscious discipline, and take us through the stabilization of the modern orthodoxy in WWII. Effort will be made to discuss the shifting relationship of economics to the other sciences, natural and social.

Requirements: A basic knowledge of economics (including introductory economics and preferably intermediate economics) will be required.

HPS 93811 (587)
History of Philosophy of Science to 1750 MW 11:45-1:00 (Joy)
3 Cr. Hr.
Crosslist: PHIL 93811
Graduate Students Only

This seminar begins by examining four conceptions of science: those of Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus, and Chrysippus. It then considers how the natural philosophies developed by their ancient traditions were transformed by medieval and modern thinkers, who significantly revised the goals of previous scientific inquiry. Among the moderns, we will focus on Descartes, Boyle, and Newton.

Requirements: Course requirements will include class presentations and two medium-length papers.

Thesis direction for terminating Master's students.

Thesis direction for terminating Master's students.

HPS 96697 (697)
Directed Readings

Directed Readings carried out under individual HPS faculty supervision.

Dissertation research for Ph.D. students.

Dissertation research for Ph.D. students.