phil 483: induction and probability (winter 2012)
We will investigate general issues related to induction and probability. Topics include the problem of induction, theory confirmation, falsification, prediction, underdetermination, Bayesianism, frequentism, naturalism, formal learning theory, (causal) decision theory, causation, (in)determinism, Bell's theorem. The syllabus is available for download
here.
phil 120: intro logic (autumn 2011, autumn 2010, winter 2010)
In this course, we introduce sentential and predicate logics and examine their syntactic and semantic structures. Topics include translations (between English and the logical formalisms), truth tables, refutation trees, proofs, and models. The syllabus is available for download
here.
phil 360: topics in phil sci: space and time (autumn 2011, autumn 2009)
This course serves as an introduction to the philosophy of science. We will examine broad topics such
as falsification, confirmation, explanation, underdetermination, realism, and the structure of scientific
revolutions. We will ground our study of these topics by considering the history of spacetime physics
from Zeno to Einstein. The syllabus is available for download
here.
phil 360: topics in phil sci: decision theory (summer 2011, winter 2011)
This course is an introduction to decision theory. Topics include decisions under ignorance, decisions under risk, social choice theory, and game theory. The focus will be on philosophical puzzles (e.g. St. Petersburg paradox, prisoner's dilemma). We will ground our subject historically by considering its connections to the cold war. The syllabus is available for download
here.
phil 482/560: phil physics (spring 2011)
We will investigate the mathematical and philosophical foundations of space and time. Our subject matter will include
Aristotelian and Galilean theories of classical spacetime as well as
Einstein's special and general theories of relativity.
The syllabus is available for download
here.
phil 460: phil sci (summer 2010, spring 2010)
This course is a survey of topics in philosophy of science. Our subject matter will include empiricism, confirmation, explanation, underdetermination, realism, naturalism, and the structure of science and its revolutions. The syllabus is available for download
here.