Transfers ToUC and CSUCal-GETC Area 3B · IGETC Area 3B · CSU GE Area C2DescriptionCal-GETC Area 3B (Humanities) This course is a general introduction to the philosophy of science, aimed at fostering an enhanced awareness of the philosophical aspects and implications inherent in the scientific enterprise. The central concepts and methodology of science will be analyzed, and philosophical topics like distinguishing science from pseudoscience, virtues of explanations including simplicity and falsifiability, gestalt and paradigm shifts, incommensurability, underdetermination, objectivity and subjectivity, realism and anti-realism, bias within science and more will be examined. Specific episodes taken from the history of science will be regularly employed to illustrate and elucidate these general ideas. A background in philosophy or the physical sciences is helpful but not a requirement for this course. 