PHIL 22201 - Science, Knowledge, and Power

Course Credit: 1
(WGSS)
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.