Fundamentals in the history and epistemology of science

This course proposes to combine historical and epistemological approaches to critically analyze the construction of scientific knowledge, as well as the use of these approaches in teaching. It is based on a presentation of the major milestones in the history of science and introduces fundamental concepts of epistemology, without neglecting the cultural dimensions of scientific knowledge. This historical and epistemological overview of the scientific disciplines cannot claim to be exhaustive.

The program is divided into three parts:

History of science and technology

• introduction to the major trends in the history of science
•  elements of the history of mathematics
•  elements of the history of physics
•  elements of the history of biology 

Epistemology

• logical positivism, verificationism, falsificationism
•  scientific realism and anti-realisms
•  paradigm and scientific revolution

Uses of the history of science and epistemology in teaching

• parallel between the historical evolution of science and the evolution of students' conceptions
• epistemological analysis and investigative approach to science education
• uses of the history of science in the classroom

Proven cross-functional skills:

• Develop critical awareness of knowledge in a field and/or at the interface of several fields
• Communicate for training or knowledge transfer purposes, orally and in writing, in French and in at least one foreign language.

Specific certified skills:

• Mobilizing and sharing specialized knowledge
• Identify the process of producing, disseminating, and promoting knowledge