Our department is interested in the structure and development of the natural, social, and medical sciences, and how they intersect with science and society. We offer a diverse set of courses for undergraduates interested in the foundations of scientific knowledge, methods, and practices. You can investigate the rise of science and medicine from their origins to the present moment, while considering the social and intellectual impacts of science and medicine.
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An introduction to the formative steps in the scientific tradition. The course will survey in a chronological sequence aspects of the Aristotelian world view, the Copernican revolution, the mechanical philosophy, the chemical and Darwinian revolution, and the rise of twentieth century science.
Examines trees and forests as conspicuous natural objects that play a multivalent role in human imagination, thinking, and emotion. Explores the intertwined natural and cultural trajectory of trees along scientific, historical, and psychological dimensions. Topics include ecosystem services, human uses and attitudes, deforestation, IU's woodland campus, and ecological ethics.
Investigation of ethical issues that arise in the biological and medical sciences, the impact of these issues on the behavior of scientists during the conduct of scientific research, and on the role of science in discussions about ethics and public policy. Introduction to major ethical theories and critical reasoning in biological and medical ethics.
Studies science as a human activity that both contributes and responds to cultural change. Presents and compares a mix of recent and historical cases, which bring out the complex relations between science and such aspects of culture as the arts, commerce, religion, sports, food, gender, race, and conceptions of human nature.
Offers an interdisciplinary and inter-professional approach to the psychological and social effects of illness and treatments as they emerge in patient-doctor interactions, with an integrated model of collaboration between health professionals and patients, emphasizing communication and empathy, and illuminating risk assessment, prevalent misconceptions and biases, and ethical considerations in decision making.
Prerequisite: Students must complete this course prior to enrolling in X470
The College of Arts