History of Science: Antiquity to 1700

De: The Great Courses, Lawrence M. Principe

Narrado por: Lawrence M. Principe

For well over 2,000 years, much of our fundamental "desire to know" has focused on science. Our commitment to science and technology has been so profound that these stand as probably the most powerful influences on human culture. To truly understand our Western heritage, our contemporary society, and ourselves as individuals, we need to know what science is and how it developed.

In this 36-lecture series, one of science's most acclaimed teachers takes you through science's complex evolution of thought and discovery, often originating from ideas that by today's technological perspective might be considered ridiculous or humorous, although many are still relevant today. You'll consider science's often fascinating history, from ancient times to the Scientific Revolution, in terms of several penetrating questions, including two of special importance: Who pursued science, and why? What happened, and why?

In the hands of Professor Principe, the history of science becomes far more than just a litany of dates, significant individuals, and breakthrough discoveries. In examining the evolution of science, he restores the vitally important context that has been lost from the discussion, showing how science is characterized by ideas that link eras widely separated in time. A primary theme is the relationship between science and religion. Today, we tend to see the two as separate and even antagonistic. Theology, in fact, is a principal motivator for scientific inquiry. And in the Middle Ages, Christianity and Islam were of paramount importance in preserving and furthering scientific knowledge.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2002 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2002 The Great Courses

Interesting

An interesting course. It's very nice to learn the context of many scientific discoveries. I appreciate the fact that the lecturer explains the background of the discoveries- and not only jumping from one to another. I also acknowledge the central role of various religions in preserving and improving scientific knowledge. However, the lecturer seems to ignore religious persecution of science and knowledge- such as the Cristiano abolishment of the academies in Byzantion and the consequential Greek philosophers flight to the muslim empire. He also does not mention that the first university was founded by a Muslim women in Marroco, centuries before any European university. Although religions contributed to scientific discoveries, once they understand the peril of scientific discoveries to their exsistance, they have started fighting science ferociously.

Interesting topic. Mediocre lecturer

The narrator has long pauses that take away from the presentation.

The material is shallow but that is to be expected. This is for the small section of people whom are interested in the history of science but never had any formal study of it

Awesome

Finished in a few days, really enjoyed a lot. Very recommended, changed my perspective on science / religion relationship completely

Illuminating

Very enjoyable tour of the history of Science. Engaging lecturer, this book filled in gaps and contextualized things I already knew.

Enlightening, entertaining and exciting!

Very well researched and presented a vast landscape of scientific history. I learned a lot and my curiosity about many of the ideas discussed and the scientists involved has led me to read more about these as I listened. I ordered 3 books to expand on this course, which I think is the sincerest form of flattery