教學大綱 Syllabus

科目名稱：融合：架築自然與社會科學之橋

Course Name: Consilience: Bridging Natural and Social Sciences
  • 學年學期：113-1 Fall Semester, 2024
  • 科目代碼：ZU1869001 Course No.ZU1869001

修別：選

Type of Credit: Elective

3.0

學分數

Credit(s)

30

預收人數

Number of Students

課程資料Course Details
  • 開課單位：創國學一、創國學二、創國學三、創國學四 Course Department:Global Studies/B/1&2&3&4
  • 授課老師：郭怡君 Instructor: KUO I-CHUN
  • 先修科目：無Prerequisite(N/A)
  • 上課時間：三D56 Session: wed13-16

課程簡介Course Description

Unlock the secrets of interdisciplinary thinking in "Consilience: Bridging Natural and Social Sciences." Inspired by E.O. Wilson's revolutionary concept of consilience, this course transcends traditional academic boundaries to explore the seamless integration of natural and social sciences. Through engaging lectures, hands-on experiments, and dynamic discussions, students will delve into the historical and philosophical foundations of consilience, examine key theories and methodologies from both scientific realms, and explore groundbreaking case studies where interdisciplinary collaboration has led to transformative innovations. This journey of discovery will cultivate critical thinking, enhance problem-solving abilities, and prepare students to address complex global challenges with a consilient approach.

核心能力分析圖 Core Competence Analysis Chart

能力項目說明

    課程目標與學習成效Course Objectives & Learning Outcomes

    Goals:

    1. Understand the concept of consilience and its historical and philosophical foundations.
    2. Analyze key theories and methodologies from natural and social sciences.
    3. Explore case studies where interdisciplinary approaches have led to significant innovations.
    4. Develop skills in interdisciplinary research and collaboration.
    5. Apply consilience principles to contemporary global challenges.

    Learning Outcomes:

    By the end of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Articulate the Concept of Consilience:
      • Define consilience and explain its importance in bridging natural and social sciences.
      • Discuss the historical and philosophical roots of consilience, referencing key figures and movements.
    2. Analyse Theoretical Frameworks:
      • Critically evaluate major theories from both natural and social sciences.
      • Compare and contrast different scientific methodologies and their applications.
    3. Investigate Interdisciplinary Innovations:
      • Identify and analyze case studies where consilient approaches have led to breakthroughs in science and society.
      • Reflect on the successes and challenges of interdisciplinary projects.
    4. Develop Research and Collaboration Skills:
      • Design and conduct interdisciplinary research projects that integrate concepts from both scientific realms.
      • Work effectively in teams to address complex problems using consilient thinking.
    5. Apply Consilient Principles to Global Challenges:
      • Propose solutions to contemporary issues by synthesizing knowledge from natural and social sciences.
      • Assess the impact of consilient approaches on global challenges such as climate change, public health, and technological innovation.

    每周課程進度與作業要求 Course Schedule & Requirements

    教學週次Course Week 彈性補充教學週次Flexible Supplemental Instruction Week 彈性補充教學類別Flexible Supplemental Instruction Type

    Week

    Topic

    Content and Reading Assignment

    Teaching Activities and Homework

    1-2

    Introduction to Consilience Overview of consilience, E.O. Wilson’s thesis

     

    Wilson, E. O. (1998). Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge (Introduction and Chapter 1). New York: Knopf.

    Israel’s president Netanyahu’s speech to Congress: https://www.timesofisrael.com/were-protecting-you-full-text-of-netanyahus-address-to-congress/

     

    Assignments: 15 points

    Reflection essay on the concept of consilience: explore the common thread of understanding complex human behaviors, such as racial discrimination and antisemitism, through multidisciplinary perspectives, including evolutionary biology and historical context.

    3

    Historical and Philosophical Foundations

    History of scientific thought, philosophy of science

    Kuhn, T. S. (1970). The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (Chapters 1-2). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

    Group discussion and presentation on key philosophical debates ( points)

    4

    Holistic Approaches in History Historical figures and holistic studies

     

    Goethe, J. W. von. (1790). Metamorphosis of Plants.

    Hooke, R. (1665). Micrographia. London: Royal Society.

    Draw and think as Goethe (in the class)

    5

    The Natural Sciences Perspective

    Key concepts and methodologies in natural sciences

     

    Dawkins, R. (1976). The Selfish Gene. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Gleick, J. (1987). Chaos: Making a New Science. New York: Viking.

    Lab report on a natural science experiment

    (10 points)

    .

    6-7

    The Social Sciences Perspective

    Key concepts and methodologies in social sciences

     

    Weber, M. (1978). Economy and Society. Berkeley: University of California Press.

    Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures. New York: Basic Books.

     

    Case study analysis of a social science research project

    Guest Speaker: TBD

    6-7

    Bridging the Disciplines

    Comparative analysis of natural and social science approaches to a common problem

     

    Wilson, E. O. (1998). Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge (Chapter 5). New York: Knopf.

     

    Interdisciplinary research methods, benefits of consilience

    (In-class discussion and presentation)

     

    8

    Case Study: Environmental Science and Policy

    Interdisciplinary approaches to environmental issues

     

     

    Carson, R. (1962). Silent Spring. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

    Ostrom, E. (1990). Governing the Commons. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Rolston III, H. (2017). A New Environmental Ethics: The Next Millennium for Life on Earth. New York: Routledge.

     

    Group project proposal for an interdisciplinary environmental study (In-class discussion and presentation)

     

     

    9

    Case Study: Health and Society

    Public health, social determinants of health

     

     

    Farmer, P. (2004). Pathologies of Power. Berkeley: University of California Press.

    Marmot, M. (2016). The Health Gap. London: Bloomsbury.

     

     

     

    10

    Case Study: Technology and Innovation

    Role of technology in society, innovation studies

     

     

    Arthur, W. B. (2009). The Nature of Technology. New York: Free Press.

    Latour, B. (1993). We Have Never Been Modern. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

     

    Analysis of a technological innovation using consilience principles

    Mid-term: Research paper/Case Study integrating natural and social science perspectives (15 points)

    10

    The Third Culture and New Humanists

    The third culture movement, science at the edge

     

     

     

    Selected articles from The Third Culture: Beyond the Scientific Revolution.

    Diamond, J. (2005). "Why Do Some Societies Make Disastrous Decisions?" In Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. New York: Viking.

     

    The impact of the third culture movement on contemporary science and humanities

     

    11

     

     

    Birdsong, Culture, and Music

    Ethology, cultural transmission in animals and humans

     

     

    Irwin, D. E. (2020). Culture in Songbirds and Its Contribution to the Evolution of New Species. Science.

    Tannenbaum, M. (2005). The Singing Neanderthals. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

     

     

    Guest Speaker: Zheng Yiru, Eco-Acoustics and Spatial Ecology (EASE) Lab, Academia Sinica

     

     

    12

    Psychology and Consilience:  

    Role of psychology in interdisciplinary research, cognitive and behavioural models

    +Landscape of Fear and Horror

    Psychology of fear, cultural representations of horror

    Pinker, S. (1997). How the Mind Works. New York: Norton.

    Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

    Tuan, Y.-F. (1979). Landscape of Fear. New York: Pantheon.

    Clasen, M. (2017). Terrifying Monsters, Malevolent Ghosts, and Evolved Danger Management Architecture: A Consilient Approach to Horror Fiction. Palgrave Macmillan.

     

    Creative project or comic inspired by horror

    (In-class discussion and presentation) (15 points)

     

    13

     

     

    Evolutionary and Cognitive Models in Literature and Art

    Brain Sciences and Art

     

    Evolutionary psychology, cognitive science in literature and art

     

     

    Boyd, B. (2009). On the Origin of Stories. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

    Kandel, E. (2012). The Age of Insight. New York: Random House.

    Selected works from Darwin's Bridge: Uniting the Humanities and Sciences.

     

     

     

    Guest Speaker: Dr. Chen Polin, Neuroscience Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

     

    14

    Bioengineering, Law, and Ethics

    Ethical implications of bioengineering, legal frameworks

     

    Sandel, M. (2007). The Case Against Perfection. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

    Selected legal case studies

     

    A bioengineering ethical dilemma

    (In-class discussion and presentation)

    15

    Flexible Supplemental Instruction Week

     

    Final project preparation/free exploration

     

     

     

     

    16

    Flexible Supplemental Instruction Week

     

    Final project preparation/free exploration

     

     

    (optional: free exploration report)

     

    17

     

    Final project presentation

     

     

     

    IIndividual or group presentations (TBD)

     

    18

    Final project

    presentation

     

     

    授課方式Teaching Approach

    30%

    講述 Lecture

    30%

    討論 Discussion

    20%

    小組活動 Group activity

    10%

    數位學習 E-learning

    10%

    其他： Others: free exploration

    評量工具與策略、評分標準成效Evaluation Criteria

    This course features small assignments that are crucial for building knowledge and skills steadily. We encourage you to establish a weekly ritual, dedicating an additional three hours to assignments and readings. This consistent effort will enhance your understanding and ensure steady progress throughout the course. Embrace these assignments as they help keep you engaged and prepare you for more complex topics.

      Reflection Essays: 15% (W1)

      Group Presentations: 20 %  (throughout the semester)

      Lab Report: 10% (W4)

      Research Paper/Case Study Analysis: 20 % (Mid-term) 

      Creative Projects: 15% (W12)

      Final Project: 20%

      Optional (Free Exploration Report) for extra points

    *** AI Regulation: Open to use AI.***

    指定/參考書目Textbook & References

    • Arthur, W. B. (2009). The Nature of Technology: What It Is and How It Evolves. New York: Free Press.
    • Boyd, B. (2009). On the Origin of Stories: Evolution, Cognition, and Fiction. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
    • Carson, R. (1962). Silent Spring. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
    • Carson, R. (1965). The Sense of Wonder. New York: Harper & Row.
    • Chittka, L. (2022). The Mind of a Bee. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
    • Clasen, M. (2017). Terrifying Monsters, Malevolent Ghosts, and Evolved Danger Management Architecture: A Consilient Approach to Horror Fiction. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan.
    • Dawkins, R. (1976). The Selfish Gene. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
    • Diamond, J. (2005). Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed. New York: Viking.
    • Farmer, P. (2003). Pathologies of Power: Health, Human Rights, and the New War on the Poor. Berkeley: University of California Press.
    • Geertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Cultures: Selected Essays. New York: Basic Books.
    • Gleick, J. (1987). Chaos: Making a New Science. New York: Viking.
    • Goethe, J. W. von. (1790). The Metamorphosis of Plants.
    • Hooke, R. (1665). Micrographia: Or Some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies Made by Magnifying Glasses. London: Royal Society.
    • Irwin, D. E. (2020). "Culture in Songbirds and Its Contribution to the Evolution of New Species." Science, 368(6496), 1096-1097.
    • Kandel, E. (2012). The Age of Insight: The Quest to Understand the Unconscious in Art, Mind, and Brain, from Vienna 1900 to the Present. New York: Random House.
    • Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
    • Kuhn, T. S. (1970). The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
    • Latour, B. (1993). We Have Never Been Modern. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
    • Marmot, M. (2015). The Health Gap: The Challenge of an Unequal World. London: Bloomsbury.
    • Ostrom, E. (1990). Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
    • Pigliucci, M., & Boudry, M. (Eds.). (2013). Philosophy of Pseudoscience: Reconsidering the Demarcation Problem. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
    • Pinker, S. (1997). How the Mind Works. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.
    • Rolston III, H. (2012). A New Environmental Ethics: The Next Millennium for Life on Earth. New York: Routledge.
    • Sandel, M. J. (2007). The Case Against Perfection: Ethics in the Age of Genetic Engineering. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
    • Slingerland, E., & Collard, M. (Eds.). (2011). Creating Consilience: Integrating the Sciences and the Humanities. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
    • Mithen, S. (2005). The Singing Neanderthals: The Origins of Music, Language, Mind and Body. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
    • Tuan, Y.-F. (1979). Landscapes of Fear. New York: Pantheon Books.
    • Weber, M. (1978). Economy and Society: An Outline of Interpretive Sociology. Berkeley: University of California Press.
    • Wilson, E. O. (1998). Consilience: The Unity of Knowledge. New York: Knopf.
    • Wilson, E. O., & Sober, E. (Eds.). (2016). Darwin's Bridge: Uniting the Humanities and Sciences. New York: Oxford University Press.

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    課程相關連結Course Related Links

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKkcstwPd9k
https://www.timesofisrael.com/were-protecting-you-full-text-of-netanyahus-address-to-congress/

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