Philosophy, Theology, and the Origins of Modern Science
PHIL 309
Fall 2007
| Section:
01
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| Crosslisting:
RELI 269 |
In this seminar, we will examine the interplay of philosophical, theological, and scientific ideas during the time of the scientific revolution of the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of the founding figures of early modern science also wrote about philosophy, theology, and Biblical interpretation. Scholars have argued that some of them, like Newton and Boyle, were guided in their scientific work by their own particular views in philosophy and theology. For others, like Hobbes and Laplace, the emergence of modern science seemed to marginalize theology and much of traditional philosophy. Using primary and secondary sources, we will examine the rich interplay of philosophical, theological, and scientific ideas in this period. |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA PHIL |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (RELI) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
We will read primary works by Galileo, Descartes, Hobbes, Boyle, Newton, Leibniz and Laplace, supplemented by secondary writings by Klaaren, Dobbs/Jacob, and Barbour.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Three 8-10 page papers. Students will also be expected to participate in discussion and to take turns leading discussion. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
At least two courses in PHIL or SISP. (Courses in history of science from other departments can also count towards the prerequisites.) |
| Instructor(s): Horst,Steven W. Times: .M.W... 02:40PM-04:00PM; Location: FISK412; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: 4 | JR major: 4 | | |
| Seats Available: 8 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: 4 | JR non-major: 3 | SO: 0 | FR: 0 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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