Apr 19, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalogue 
    
Catalog Navigation
  Catalogue Home
  The College of Wooster
  The Academic Program
  Areas of Study
  Course Numbering
  Courses
  Special Programs and Educational Opportunities
  Student Resources
  Degree Requirements
  Academic Policies
  Admissions, Expenses, and Financial Aid
  Academic Calendar
  Travel Directions
  Campus Map
  Four Year Calendar
HELP
2020-2021 Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

PHIL 29916 - Science, Knowledge, and Power

Course Credit: 1
SCIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND POWER  Science is often hailed as a purely objective, reliable and bias-free source of knowledge, but the history of science reveal that this characterization fails to capture the complexities of science and scientific practice. In this course, we will look at issues surrounding questions such as What is science?, What makes scientific knowledge different from other types of knowledge (if it is different)?, and How does social power and privilege affect scientific progress and what counts as scientific knowledge? Our considerations will include discussions about the role of gender (and sex) in science and the role of women in science. Throughout the course, we will examine the role of power, politics, money and social biases in science, as well as considering ways science can ameliorate human suffering and achieve other social goals.