FEDERAL UNIVERSITY NDUFU ALIKE IKWO

GST 105 History and Philosophy of Science

Module 1 Unit 1: The nature of science
Definitions of science
Branches of science
Aims of science
Differences between science and non-science disciplines

 Module 1 Unit 2: The scientific method

Scientific method of acquiring knowledge
How it works in real life
How it has worked in science
Creative and critical thinking
 Module 1 Unit 3: Basic scientific theories
What is a scientific theory?
Theories of evolution
Evolution before Darwin
Darwin and modern evolutionary thought
Evolution after Darwin
 Module 1 Unit 4: Laws of nature
 What is law of nature?
Belief in the uniformity of nature
The law of uniformity of nature
Law of gravitation
Module 1 Unit 5: History of science -1

Origin of Western science in the ancient times

Ancient Western science
Egypt
 Babylonia (present day Iraq)
African philosophy
Ancient Greeks
Science in the Roman period
 Module 2 Unit 1: History of Science-2
(Science in the middle Ages of Europe)
Science in the Middle Ages of Europe
Science in the Dark Ages
Science in the Renaissance period
Module 2 Unit 2: History of Western Science-3 (Rise of
modern science)

Rise of modern science

Scientific revolution
The classic ages of science
Module 2 Unit 3: History of Science-4 (The 20th
century scientific revolution)
20th century scientific revolution
Physical sciences
Biotechnology; Genetic engineering
Transport and communication; War
 Module 2 Unit 4: The lost sciences of Africa-I: An
overview

The lost sciences of Africa – I

Metallurgy
Astronomy
 Module 2 Unit 5: The lost sciences of Africa-– 2: An
overview
Mathematics
The Yoruba number system
Origin of the subtractive system
Medicine
Module 3 Unit 1: Science and technology and
inventions

 The impact of science and technology on society

 Definitions/distinctions between science and technology
 The beginning and importance of technology in human affairs
 The importance of science, technology and inventions today
 Subdivisions of science and technology
 Methods of acquiring technological advancement
 Some early contributions to science and technology
 Some modern contributions to science and technology
 Module 3 Unit 2: Social implications of technological
Development
 A brief summary of the gains of technological development
 Adverse effects of technological development on society
 Population; Pollution; Poverty; Pursuit of peace
 The social responsibility of scientists and the reciprocal
Module 3 Unit 3: The nature and scope of philosophy
of science

Meaning of philosophy of science

Common characteristics of philosophy of science
Scope of the philosophy of science
Nature of the scientific method
Logic
Module 3 Unit 4: Man and his origin
Various views on the origin of man
Origin of hominids
Factors of human evolution
A recap of the evolution of man
Diversification of recent humans
 Module 3 Unit 5: The nature of man

Man’s nature
Reproductive cell; Chromosomes
Sex determination; Twins
Heredity and environment
Module 4 Unit 1: Man and his cosmic environment
Man and his cosmic environment
The cosmos andThe cosmic environment
The earth; The solar system
Galaxies
Measurement of distances in space
Module 4 Unit 2: Man and his natural resources

Man and his natural resources

Man and his food ;Types of food
Agriculture; Agriculture, climate and soil
Vegetation; Natural resources
Definition of natural resources
Classification of man’s needs for natural resources
 Module 4 Unit 3: Great scientists of Nigerian origin
(FUNAI based)
Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe ;Prof. Johson Urama
Prof. Fidelis Ogah; Prof. E. C. Orji; Prof S.O.Elom
 Introduction
GST 106 ‘History and Philosophy of Science’ is a two-
unit, foundation (100) level course.
Students of Science and non-science programmes are
expected to take this course.
It is a prerequisite to students obtaining their B.A. or
B.Sc. degree.
What students will learn in this course
Stimulate their interest in science by encouraging
them to think critically.
Help them attain a personal philosophy of life
What students will learn in this course

Students will learn about how science and its branches

originated, the contributions of ancient Africans to
science, and how the use of scientific knowledge has
helped to improve or mar our lives.
The knowledge of today incorporates the discoveries of
the past and the method through which those discoveries
were made.
Towards the end of this course, we will be exposed to the
contributions of some great Nigerian scientists based here
in FUNAI.
This will motivate us to make our own contributions to
society in whatever programme we may be running.
 Course Aims
Establish the interrelationship between all disciplines.
Show the extent of ancient African contributions to
modern technology.
Create an awareness of the services of science to man and
the effects of science on human society.
Introduce you to the two schools of thought on the origin
of man.
Explain to you the nature of man, components of the
universe in which he lives, and how he obtains energy for
his activities.
Awaken in the sense of being a Nigerian in such a way as
to inspire and motivate them to think scientifically.
Course Objectives

On successful completion of the course, students

should be able to:
Analyze accurately the nature of science.
Describe sequentially the processes of scientific
research.
Recognize and relate the laws of nature to everyday
life.
Define and discuss some of the known scientific
theories.
Discuss vividly the origin of science in ancient times.
Course Objectives

Evaluate the state of science in the Middle Ages of

Europe.
Specify the events that gave impetus to the rise of
modern science.
Identify the advances obtained in science in the
twentieth century.
Outline and write an overview of the lost sciences of
Africa in areas outside of Egypt
Identify the relationship between science and
technology and recognize and show their various uses.
Course Objectives

Discuss intelligently the gains and negative effects of

technological development on society.
Analyze the fundamental principles and methods of
science.
Discuss the various viewpoints on the origin of man.
Explain the nature of man.
Identify the various components of the universe in which
man lives,
Outline and evaluate the natural resources for man.
Recognize the great scientists of Nigerian origin and
appreciate their contributions
Definitions of Science
What comes to your mind when the word ‘science’ is
mentioned? Is it chemistry, physics, biology or
mathematics?
The word ‘science’ is derived from the Latin word,
‘scientia’ which means ‘Knowledge
science has been defined as the knowledge of the world of
nature (The New Encyclopaedia Britannica:1995).
However, science generally is regarded in three main ways
as: 1.A body of knowledge; 2.A method for acquiring
knowledge or studying and understanding the world.
 3.An institution.
Science as a body of knowledge

What does the word ‘body’ tell you? The bodies of

knowledge generally regarded as
science include, chemistry, biology, physics,
mathematics, microbiology, pharmacy
and medicine. These bodies of knowledge differ from
other forms of knowledge
such as religion and art in both content and form.
Science as a method for acquiring knowledge

Science has well-known procedures for obtaining

knowledge.
The two branches of science, which are empirical and
formal sciences
Use what is called the scientific method. The 2 steps of
that method include observation, problem
formulation, experimentation, conclusion and theory
formulation.
Formal science utilizes concepts, rules and theories, and
expresses them in aquantitative and statistical manner.
Science as an institution
Science can be viewed as an institution which
comprises millions of experts.
These experts engage in the study and development
of human knowledge.
The experts or scientists can be found in various
research and educational institutions, industries,
hospitals, companies, etc.
The cooperation and interaction among them make
the development of science possible and reliable.
Thank you for listening

Dr. Friday .N. Nwalo

Course Co-ordinator