Jenann Ismael

First and foremost, I have learned how omnipresent probabilities are in science and also our everyday life. I was intrigued by the number of interpretations probabilities can have and that these actually influence the world view one accounts for. Furthermore, the presentation I had to prepare really helped me developing in preparing slides. Moreover, I had the opportunity to test another presentation style that I was happy about.

To start asking important questions in western philosophy of science

I got a good grasp of the standard views on probability and decision theory, in addition to an overview of some of the philosophical debates on the subject. The material about quantum mechanics was particularly interesting.

In general, the course taught me to evaluate a critique the scientific process from a philosophical perspective. We learned both reasons not to exalt science to the realm of epistemic purity and reasons why, despite this, the scientific process is still a unique and powerful epistemological tool whose value to humanity can't be overstated. Additionally, I was given the opportunity to read a text —Structures by Kuhn— that I've wanted to read for years but never made time for; I was also introduced to a text —Scientific Image by van Fraassen— that I never would've looked at, but was incredibly interesting and one that I hope to complete in the near future!

probabilities and how to think about them philosophically

Introduction to philosophy of science, works of two major philosophers of science

Very good overview over philosophical positions regarding probabilities. Wide spectrum of areas.

Very hard to understand and little structure 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2021 Course: PHILGU4561_001_2021_3-PROBABILITY&DECISIONTHEORY : PHILGU4561_001_2021_3 - PROBABILITY & DECISION THEORY Instructor: Jenann Ismael

Read through three texts to learn more about what science is not as a practice but as a way of viewing the world, some history of the evolution of science as well

I learned how to read philosophy readings and keep asking questions while reading. I learned a lot about how physics and philosophy overlap, and although I was lost in terms of application of quantum mechanics to learn about philosophy, I generally felt enlightened to hear from my classmates.