4 Credits
MWF 10:10 - 11:00pm & M 6:30 - 9:30 pm (approximately bi-weekly) - Professor Manweiler
(Partially fulfills Natural Sciences requirement)
The purpose of this course is to explore the experimental, conceptual and philosophical aspects of the natural sciences. We examine two very broad thematic questions in historical perspective: (i) What is the nature of the planets?, and (ii) What is light? These themes, taken primarily from the physical sciences, also provide insight into how science progresses in other disciplines. Each illustrates in different ways the complex and fascinating character of the scientific endeavor. We briefly examine the discovery of DNA’s double helical structure, as seen through the eyes of its most famous co-discoverer. This discovery illustrates the important role of “scientific communities”.
As does any human endeavor, science has its creative and aesthetic dimensions. My desire is for this course to deepen the students’ awareness and appreciation of such. And as science often gains insight and direction from the philosophical and religious domains, we examine such related interactions.
In the context of our somewhat historical examination of the major themes outlined above, we will perform several critical experiments pertinent to their evolution. In doing so, we will also experience a bit of the praxis of experimental character of science.
Course Goals:
• Better understand and appreciate the complex character of scientific endeavors.
• Better understand the profound impact of science upon our culture and worldview.
• Become more aware of the profundity and strength of modern science, and its limitations and challenges.
• Better appreciate the intricacy and unity of nature as we have come to understand it.
Readings: Selections from the following as well as other sources
Required texts:
Thomas Kuhn, The Copernican Revolution, Harvard Univ. Press, 1957,1985
Galileo Galilei, Letter to Christina, Starry Messenger, in Discoveries & Opinions of Galileo, ed. Stillman Drake
Ralph Baierlein, Newton to Einstein, The trail of Light, (Cambridge Univ. Press; 1992)
Albert Einstein, Relativity, the Special and General Theory, (Crown, 1961)
Watson, The Double Helix
Selected articles by O. Gingerich and others (to be on reserve)
Regular reading, class participation, and serious intellectual engagement are essential elements for success in this course. Grades will be based upon, in part, my evaluation of your engagement and participation as well as upon brief response papers, one longer paper, laboratory experiments, essay hour exam, and final. We will have a laboratory period about every other week.