Dr. Cleland's current research is in the area of philosophy of science: (1) the methodology and justification of the historical natural sciences and how these practices differ from those of classical experimental science (2) differences in methodology between historical and non-historical field sciences (3) the structure of scientific theories and role of anomalies in scientific discovery, (4) Issues in Philosophy of Biology (nature of life, conceptual problems with theories of the origins and nature of life, the possibility of a 'shadow biosphere'(a term she coined), and microbiology. In addition to her work in philosophy of science she has contributed to the philosophical literature on causation, the structure of space, the concept of supervenience, and the concept of an event. In philosophy of logic, she has written several, now classic, papers on the Church-Turing thesis, effective procedures, and hypercomputation. Dr Cleland often works closely with scientists on issues in the philosophy of science.
keywords
philosophy of science (scientific methodology, scientific theory, biology, astrobiology, and geology), philosophy of logic (computability and effective procedures), metaphysics (causation, events, supervenience, space and time)
FYSM 1000 - First Year Seminar
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Fall 2020
Provide first year students with an immersive experience in an interdisciplinary topic that addresses current issues including social, technical and global topics. Taught by faculty from across campus, the course provides students with an opportunity to interact in small classes, have project based learning experiences and gain valuable communication skills. Seminar style classes focused on discussion and projects.
PHIL 1400 - Philosophy and the Sciences
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Considers philosophical topics and concepts related to the natural sciences, such as the following: science and pseudo-science; scientific method; the nature of explanation, theory, confirmation, and falsification; the effect of science on basic concepts like mind, freedom, time, and causality; ethics of experimentation; and the relation of science to society.
PHIL 4400 - Philosophy of Science
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Fall 2024
Advances students' knowledge of topics in philosophy of science and develops students' ability to think and write clearly about science. Topics may include scientific methodology; distinguishing science from pseudoscience; characterizing experimental and historical sciences; interpretations of special and general relativity; interpretations of quantum mechanics; the nature of biological species; approaches to defining life; criteria for identifying alien life; artificial intelligence; neuroscience and consciousness; fundamental physical properties and laws of nature; chance and probability; and causation. Same as PHIL 5400. Recommended prerequisite: 12 hours philosophy course work including PHIL 2440.
PHIL 5810 - Special Topics in Philosophy
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Spring 2020
Instructor meets regularly with three or more students to discuss special topics in philosophy. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours.
PHIL 6400 - Seminar in Philosophy of Science
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Fall 2019 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2024
Topics connected with development of nature of science: the structure of scientific theories, the testing of hypotheses, the theory of decisions in science and the basic conceptions and models of abstraction in the history of science. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
PHIL 6940 - Master's Candidate for Degree
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Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2023
Registration intended for students preparing for a thesis defense, final examination, culminating activity, or completion of degree.
PHIL 6950 - Master's Thesis
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Fall 2022 / Spring 2023
May be repeated up to 7 total credit hours.
