Invention and Discovery HPSC X100 2560 Spring 1998 Instructor: Charles Twardy MWF 10:10 - 11:00 Wylie 101

by Christine Ciesiel after M.C. Escher

(The X100 website was frequently updated to reflect course progress, so this website is basically a snapshot of the course as it was near the end of the semester. It has been retouched slightly. --crt)

What goes into that mysterious "flash of insight" that solves the problem, sees the pattern, or makes the invention? How much of Eureka! is perspiration and how much inspiration? This class is a topical introduction to the history and philosophy of science and technology. We mix general overviews with case studies and some hands-on work. There is a lot of group work, which makes the course more interactive.

We will study several historical examples as well as some psychological and philosophical accounts of invention, discovery, and creativity. We will also have some hands-on experience: students will work in their groups to invent a simple telephone of their own design, and for their final project will write up their process of invention using ideas and examples covered in class. No prior electrical experience is required (although the more your group has, the more likely you will achieve a fully working design). In addition, groups will contribute their scholarship to the Alexander Graham Bell Notebooks web site.

Guiding Questions

• How do everyday experiences relate to great discoveries?
• Can creativity be taught?
• What does psychology tell us about how we find patterns and make connections?
• Are certain discoveries inevitable?
• What drives invention or discovery?
• What determines the acceptance of an invention?
• Can computers discover or create?