Think Like a Scientist: From Plato to Hawking
This course will examine the “scientific worldview” throughout the history of the Western world. Key questions will include: how do science and philosophy intersect to shape our views of nature?; how does science help us to understand our place in the world and in the universe?; what happens when objective scientific inquiry clashes with political and societal interests?; how does popular opinion affect the way that science is conducted? In attempting to answer these questions, we will reflect on what it means to use what we have learned (from both science and history) to synthesize new viewpoints that can have a positive impact on our future.
Learning Objectives
Grading
First-Year Seminars are graded on a Pass/Fail basis. To earn a ‘Pass’ grade, you must successfully complete all components of the course. The elements of this course on which you will be evaluated, and their approximate weights, are as follows Class Participation: 15% Group Presentations to the Class: 15% Op-Ed Discussion Papers: 20% Analysis Paper 1: 25% Analysis Paper 2: 25% All assignments must be submitted by the beginning of class on the specified due dates, unless otherwise stated. No late work will be accepted.
Attendance Policy
Synchronous attendance of all class sessions via Zoom is required, and this expectation is shared across the First-Year Seminar program. Excused absences include religious holidays and medical emergencies. When possible, you must inform me via email of an upcoming absence in advance; in case of an unplanned absence, please get in touch with me afterward as soon as you are able. More than three unexcused absences will endanger your chances of earning a passing grade, and you will be required to meet with me to discuss your standing in the course.
Class Participation
This is a discussion-based class. In each class we will be discussing articles, books, essays, etc. It is imperative that you do the readings and come to class prepared. You will be evaluated on your preparedness and contribution to the class discussion. All required readings will be posted to Canvas approximately one week in advance.
Group Presentations to the Class
You will be working as part of a group several times throughout the semester. Each group will be required to give a brief presentation to the class twice during the course, and then to lead the class discussion that day. Assignments of groups, topics, and presentation dates will be given after the course begins.
Op-Ed Discussion Paper
Op-Ed pieces relating to science appear frequently in major newspapers and news magazines. Twice in the semester, you will be required to find and choose a recent Op-Ed piece, and then write a response paper that describes the relation of the Op-Ed piece to our course material. As with published Op-Ed pieces, this assignment has a strict word limit (500 words); therefore, you must be concise and to the point. A separate handout with more details will be given before the first due date.
Analysis Papers
The material in this course looks at important texts and figures from different time periods, and a key goal is to draw connections that allow us to see the “big picture.” Throughout the semester, you will write two papers with the goal of making connections between the material. You will choose at least two of the readings to analyze in each of your papers. In particular, you are encouraged to choose readings from different time periods. Each paper will go through one major revision before the final draft is handed in. Final drafts of analysis papers will be 4–6 pages in length; a separate handout with more details will be given before the first due date
Individual Meetings