NURS 7103 - Foundations of Science Inquiry: Philosophical, Historical & Epistemological

This course examines how principles of scientific research and practice, including design, methods and criteria for rigor, can be traced to specific historical and philosophical concepts. Beginning in the mid 20th century, the fields of epistemology and history of science have come to regard science as a social endeavor, engaged in by communities of practice who share similar assumptions, interests and resources. This course follows form this perspective, and proposes that when a researcher is aware of and conversant in the historical, philosophical and rhetorical foundations of current topics in the conduct of scientific inquiry -- from criterion-based evaluation to politics of evidence -- the student can identify formal and informal assumptions that shape the research process, can conceptualize and conduct more coherent, internally consistent and socially responsive research, and can more effectively engage with (or challenge) the formal and informal rules of their research field.