Intro to Philosophy of Science
This 10-week course is designed to engage students in the conversation of how we are to know scientific truth. They will begin to think critically about the underlying presuppositions of scientific ideas and gain confidence in the reliance of their Christian faith as a source of knowledge. We will explore how the modern view of science as the ultimate authority is based on a self-refuting argument, and that it is merely a tool used to understand God’s creation.
Topic Outline:
1. Why is the Philosophy of Science important?
2. A brief history of science – its heroes and myths.
3. The criteria of science.
4. Science without God.
5. Intelligent Design.
6. Fine-tuned universe.
7. C.S. Lewis and Science
8. Compatibility of science and faith
9. Apologetics and the arguments for God.
10. The future of science.
Terms and Concepts:
Scientific method, empiricism, objective truth, circular reasoning, metaphysics, epistemology, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, abductive reasoning, fallacy, worldview, materialism, natural theology, general and specific revelation, qualified agreement, and more.
Course Presentation and Student Involvement:
The material for each topic will be presented with a brief PowerPoint designed to generate questions. New terms and concepts will be reinforced each week so that students can readily point them out and apply them.
While there will be no graded homework. I will provide articles, media, as well as excerpts from texts for discussion and argument analysis. Students will be expected to raise questions and engage in argument analysis relevant to the day’s topic.
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Open in new tab The Natural Sciences: A Student’s Guide Paperback – January 31, 2015 by John A. Bloom (Author), David S. Dockery (Series Editor)
Sherry Joslin earned her BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arkansas and holds a MA in Science and Religion from Biola University. She and her husband Brian live just south of Forth Worth in Burleson, Tx.
With over 12 years of experience in the classroom and as a homeschool mom, she has taught every grade K through 12th. Her classroom experience includes Logic, AP Physics, Honors Geometry, Algebra, Singapore Math and more. Prior to teaching, Sherry worked in Mission Control as a NASA engineer. When asked why she left, she explains that children are far more complicated than space shuttles, and that her greatest accomplishment has been in the role of mentoring and educating her three children who are living for Christ as young adults.
Sherry is passionate about showing students how the relationship between faith and science is not one of conflict but of qualified agreement; and before attending university, students should be confident that the Christian worldview provides a coherent understanding of both reality and their place in it as children of God. sjoslin.scholeacademy@gmail.com
Computer: You will need a stable, reliable computer, running with a processor with a speed of 1 GHz or better on one of the following operating systems: Mac OS X with Mac OS 10.7 or later; Windows 8, 7, Vista (with SP1 or later), or XP (with SP3 or later). We do not recommend using an iPad or other tablet for joining classes. An inexpensive laptop or netbook would be much better solutions, as they enable you to plug an Ethernet cable directly into your computer. Please note that Chromebooks are allowed but not preferred, as they do not support certain features of the Zoom video conference software such as breakout sessions and annotation, which may be used by our teachers for class activities.
High-Speed Internet Connection: You will also need access to high-speed Internet, preferably accessible via Ethernet cable right into your computer. Using Wi-Fi may work, but will not guarantee you the optimal use of your bandwidth. The faster your Internet, the better. We recommend using a connection with a download/upload speed of 5/1 Mbps or better. You can test your Internet connection here.
Webcam: You may use an external webcam or one that is built in to the computer. Webcam Recommendations: Good (PC only) | Best (Mac and PC)
Headset: We recommend using a headset rather than a built-in microphone and speakers. Using a headset reduces the level of background noise heard by the entire class. Headset Recommendations: USB | 3.5mm
Zoom: We use a web conferencing software called Zoom for our classes, which enables students and teachers to gather from around the globe face to face in real time. Zoom is free to download and easy to use. 
To download Zoom:
- Visit zoom.us/download.
- Click to download the first option listed, Zoom Client for Meetings.
- Open and run the installer on your computer.
- In August, students will be provided with instructions and a link for joining their particular class.
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