The Vocabulary of Science: First Steps to Science Literacy

Learn to think more critically about science by mastering the language we use to talk about science

What you’ll learn

The Vocabulary of Science: First Steps to Science Literacy

Master the different ways that scientists use key terms like “theory”, “fact”, “law”, “hypothesis”, and “model”
Analyze arguments and fallacies about science that turn on the meaning of these concepts
Build a foundation for understanding science and debates about science
Recognize the most common confusions that people who write about science are prone to make

Requirements

No previous knowledge or training is required. Only a sincere interest in learning more about the nature of science and scientific reasoning.

Description

WHAT IS THIS COURSE ABOUT?

Is evolution a

theory

, a

fact

, or

both

?

This question has been debated by critics and defenders of evolution for many years.

Some claim that

evolution is a theory, not a fact

. Others claim that

evolution is a fact, not a theory

. And still, others say that

evolution is both a theory and a fact

.

What exactly is going on here?

One reason why the debate persists is that people

disagree

not only on the strength of the evidence for evolution but also

on the meanings of the key terms, “theory” and “fact”

.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

I have

20 years of experience teaching the history and philosophy of science

at the university level, but now I work as an independent online educator. I have given lectures on the topic of science literacy to national and international audiences.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR, AND WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

This course is for anyone interested in learning more about

how a philosopher of science thinks about science and scientific reasoning

.

It will be of special interest to

science students

,

science educators

of all kinds

, and people interested in

debates about the nature of science

.

You’ll learn the

most common confusions

made by people who write about science.

And you’ll have an opportunity to

test your understanding

through quizzes and a video critique assignment.

Who this course is for:

Science educators and science enthusiasts of all types
Anyone interested in learning how to better communicate with others about scientific issues, and engage constructively in scientific debates
Anyone interested in understanding how science really works
Anyone interested in the history and philosophy of science