On Monday 9 January we will discuss some of the relevant philosophical background to logical positivism. We will talk about a variety of important figures in the history of philosophy and science including Descartes, Newton, Hume, and Kant. However, the assigned (required) reading is about Hume's philosophy. The rest you'll learn in class.
To prepare for Monday's class, please do the following.
Read
- Okasha, Chpt. 1 and 2 (recommended)
- Salmon, W., "An Encounter with David Hume" -- Posted on the PolyLearn web site for your section.
Think About
- How does Hume's analysis of causation shed light on the certainty of scientific knowledge?
- What is Hume's problem of induction, and why is it a problem?
