Science Wars
I just finished listening to the first lecture of Science Wars: What Scientists Know and How They Know It given by Professor Goldman. It sounds as if it is going to be a fantastic ride. He intends to retrace the development of scientific knowledge and methodology outlining where things have gone awry and for what reason. He talks of the epic battle between Socrates and the Sophists and the battle that continues unresolved to this day between rationalism and empiricism. I’m biased of course because epistemology is one of my favorite subjects. I think though that anyone interested in understanding the scientific method and particulary their views on knowledge should listen. The lecture is only $39.95 in MP3 format. It is about 12 hours (in 24 sessions) so be prepared to commit some time to the effort. You won’t be disappointed.
Jessica (Trivium Academy) on 27 Sep 2006 at 7:15 am #
I owe you a big thank you because I hadn’t even thought about there being lectures online. There are so many that are free to listen to on a variety of topics. Before you warn me about being selective- I know. I just wanted to thank you for mentioning this.
Jessica
roodee on 27 Sep 2006 at 9:20 am #
The Teaching Company lectures are top quality. Every lecture I have listened to is taught by a specialist in their respective field who has excellent communication skills. I also recommend “The History of Ancient Rome”, “Plato, Socrates and the Dialogues”, “How to Read and Understand Poetry” and “Einstein’s Relativity and the Quantum Revolution”. A warning should be issued for most of the biblical studies related lectures. They are taught by Bart Ehrman. An extremely intelligient scholar that, unfortunately, seems most of the time to have an axe to grind. He presents many valid points, but when you’re not prepared for his type of criticism it comes as a shock. I tend to avoid his lectures preferring a more balanced presentation of the material.