Texts: (1) Donald Gillies: Philosophy of Science in the twentieth century: Four Central Themes. Oxford: Blackwell
          (2) Papers by P. Anderson;  H. Atmanspacher; G. Farre; O. Rossler; S. Schweber; A. Shimony

    This course is best described as a philosophical examination of the representation of nature that
    emerges from the scientific enterprise, and of the effects of our modes of conceptualization on it.
    Particular attention is given to its developments in the twentieth century, up to and including its
    revolutionary present. This being a course in philosophy rather than in science, the focus is
    primarily on the assumptions that underlie scientific research, the role that observation plays in
    its articulation, and the kind of problems that are inherent in the manner in which it proceeds.

    Among the topics addressed are the following: (a) Cosmic Evolution and its characteristics, (b)
    Energy and its modalities; (c) Natural Systems and their hierarchies; (d) Observations and the
    Epistemic Domain; (e) The Mind; (f) Social systems. Each of the topics will be examined first
    as it appeared in the modern tradition, then how it is understood in the present scientific context,
    and finally what its implications are for our conception of the whole of  nature. The course begins
    with an introduction based on readings taken from Gillies’ text. Readings for each topic will come
    from the recent literature.

    While this course does not presuppose any specific knowledge of science, a passing acquaintance
    with some of it should prove beneficial. The chief prerequisite for the course is the ability to read
    and to write analytically and critically.

    One or two written reports will be required on selected readings; and a term paper will be due at
    the end of the course, on Friday December 10th.