HPSC3016: Semester 2, 2022

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Units HPSC3016 Semester 2 2022 [Normal day]

Unit of study_

HPSC3016: The Scientific Revolution

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Modern Western science has a number of characteristics that distinguish it from other scientific cultures. It ascribes its tremendous success to sophisticated experiments and meticulous observation. It understands the universe in terms of tiny particles in motion and the forces between them. It is characterised by high- powered mathematical theorising and the rejection of any intention, value or purpose in Nature. Many of these characteristics were shaped in the 17th century, during the so-called scientific revolution. We will consider them from an integrated historical- philosophical perspective, paying special attention to the intellectual motivations of the canonical figures of this revolution and the cultural context in which they operated. Topics will include: experimentation and instrumentation, clocks, mechanistic philosophy, and the changing role of mathematics.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	HPSC3016
Academic unit	History and Philosophy of Science Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	None
Prerequisites ?	(HPSC2100 or HPSC2900)
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Ofer Gal, ofer.gal@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Cindy Hodoba Eric, cindy.eric@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Presentation	Experiment replication Experiment	10%	-	To be added by the unit coordinator
Outcomes assessed:
Dissertation	Research paper Written assessment	30%	Multiple weeks	3500 words
Outcomes assessed:
Participation	Attendance and participation Class discussion and preparation	30%	Weekly	To be added by the unit coordinator
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Reading assignments Short questions	30%	Weekly	150 words
Outcomes assessed:
= group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Attendance and participation: Participation is marked on the basis of class discussions and preparedness.
Reading assignments: This will be assessed on the basis of well-formulated short questions regarding the assigned primary texts for the Thursday tutorial of each week.
Experiment replication: This assessment will be based on a group replication of an early modern experiment in a demonstration presented to the class.
Research paper: The assessment is comprised of the submission of a research questions, an annotated bibliography followed by a presentation, and a final paper.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100
Distinction	75 - 84
Credit	65 - 74
Pass	50 - 64
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Instructed Reading: Priestley’s letter Pedagogical issues: • Readings • Submission of questions • Essay writing	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 01	Rationality vs Revolution The scientific revolution: main even	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	The scientific revolution: Interpretations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Mechanics before Galileo: Levers and projectiles	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Galileo’s criticism of Aristotle and traditional mechanics	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Galileo’s mechanics: The way to the law of fall	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Reading Exercise: unseen passage (Kepler’s Mysterium)	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Kepler’s Optics vs Traditional Optics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Deciphering a painting	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Perspectiva: from Art to Science	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 06	Radical Instrumentalism	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Knowledge and authority: experiments from Tartaglia to the Royal Society	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	The nay-sayers	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	The body	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Hooke’s Experimental-instrumental philosophy	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Hooke and Newton’s Optical Experiments	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 09	Discussion: Knowledge and Doubt	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Knowledge and authority: institutions	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Personal discussions: Essay Questions and Annotated Bibliographies	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 10	Descartes: from Passionate Epistemology to Mechanical Philosophy	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Directed reading: Hooke’s ‘Address’ and Hooke-Newton Correspondence	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	The Curved Orbit	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Replicating experiments.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Newton’s Celestial Mechanics	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 13	Final Presentations	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Conclusion: Newton’s Scholia	Lecture (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance mandatory.

No electronic devices allowed in class.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Gal, O.: Origins of Modern Science, Cambridge: Cambridge U. Press (2021), Chs. 1,2,3, 5, 7, 9, 10.

The reading can be performed during the term as per syllabus.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. identify and discuss some of the major chapters in the emergence of early modern science
LO2. discuss and assess the historical and philosophical concept of ‘scientific revolution’
LO3. critically assess the methodological and philosophical merits of some approaches to this period
LO4. recognise, read and interpret primary historical material from this period in english translation.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

None

Additional information

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory

As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

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