This course aims to investigate the two way interaction between society and physics. The ideas of physics have percolated into the collective consciousness both as scientific knowledge and as cultural reference points and various new technologies can be identified as originating in physics research. However, physics also has to deal with how it is perceived as a discipline and how physicists are perceived as trustworthy authorities. Open to students in all faculties. No mathematics beyond basic high school algebra and geometry is needed. Content. Introduction to the philosophy of science and the scientific method, introduction to the major scientific ideas that have shaped our society and the world.