Physics 1700 Fall 2002
Physics, Its History and Philosophy
Hour Exam (in class) Tuesday, Nov. 26 Covers Holton and Brush, Chapters 1-10
If you want to read more about experiment click here
Read Chapter 10 in Holton
Problems due Tuesday 11/18. Holton, Chapter 9--Problems
9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.9, 9.13, 9.15
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The Homepage for this course is: http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys1700
Office: Duane F 627 (Gamow Tower)
Telephone: 492-8610
E-mail: Allan.Franklin@Colorado.edu (Click here to send an e-mail)
Lectures: TuTh 9:30 - 10:45 Duane G125
Texts: Physics, the Human Adventure, Holton and Brush.
What is This Thing Called Science? Chalmers
Office Hours: TuW 11:00 -12:00 PM and by appointment
For more information see my personal home page
Exams: Hour exams will be announced in class and on the course homepage. They will be announced a week before they are held.
Final Exam: Saturday, December 14, 1:30 -4:00 PM
Any student eligible for and needing academic adjustments or accommodations because of a disability is requested to speak with me as soon as possible.
This course will deal with both introductory physics and introductory philosophy of science. In studying the physics we will take an historical approach. We will begin our study with Greek astronomy and its geocentric theory of the solar system. We will then discuss the heliocentric Copernican system. Having two different theories to discuss we will then look at various philosophical approaches to science. We will then examine why scientists accepted the Copernican system and discuss that in the light of the philosophy of science we have read. Other topics in introductory physics will be discussed.
Reading Assignments (tentative)
Week of Assignment
8/26 Holton, Chapter 1
9/2 Holton, Chapter 2
9/9 Chalmers, Chapters 1-4
9/16 Chalmers, Chapters 5-8
9/23 Chalmers, Chapters 9-12
9/30 Chalmers, Chapters 12, 13
10/7 Holton, Chapters 4, 5, 6
10/14 Holton, Chapters 7, 8
10/21 Holton, Chapters 8,9
11/11 Holton, Chapters 10, 11
11/25 Holton Chapters 11 and 30 (Special Relativity)
You also might enjoy reading Chapter 3 on what makes a good theory.
Homework