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PHL X63L Topics in Philosophy of Science

PHL 363L  Topics in Philosophy of Science  3 Hours  

PHL X63L.1 The Philosophy of Biology

PHL 363L.1  The Philosophy of Biology  3 Hours  

PHL X63L.2 The Outer Limits of Reason

PHL 363L.2  The Outer Limits of Reason  3 Hours  
Examines fundamental questions that appear to transcend the capacities of reason such as semantic paradoxes, theseus' ship, vagueness, infinities, computational intractability, quantum mechanics, fine-tuning arguments, and why mathematics applies to the physical world.

PHL X63L.3 Science and Metaphysics

PHL 363L.3  Science and Metaphysics  3 Hours  
Examine questions about the nature of reality informed by science and metaphysics, such as the nature of time, space, minds, meanings, identity, infinity, abstract vs concrete objects.

PHL X63L.5 Biology and Society

PHL 363L.5  Biology and Society  3 Hours  
Explore how biological theorizing has influenced and, in turn, been modulated by social ideology from the early twentieth century to the present day.

PHL X63L.6 Philosophy and Computation

PHL 363L.6  Philosophy and Computation  3 Hours  
Analyze fundamental results from the early theory of computation such as the unsolvability of the halting problem, uncomputability, computational complexity, and intractability. Question central notions such as 'implementation' of a program, what a program is, what an algorithm is, 'software' versus 'hardware' distinction, and other distinctions. Discuss issues surrounding the relation between computation, thought, and experience. Consider questions such as what artificial intelligence is, whether there is a relevant distinction between 'simulation' of a phenomenon such as intelligence versus the production of genuine intelligence, the ethics of AI, and the status of various 'virtual' entities, such as internet sites, the metaverse, and bitcoin.