Women Who Made Science History

De: Leila McNeill, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Leila McNeill

Laura Bassi was once called a “monster”. And she was. She was a monster of intellect. In 1732, she became the first female doctor of philosophy at the University of Bologna. Her doctoral degree defense was a highly public event, attended by foreigners, clergy, professors, nobility, and onlookers—yet she was still forbidden from teaching at the university and was deliberately excluded from a prestigious group of academics within the Institute for Science.

It’s not news that women have been denied the same educational and institutional opportunities, resources, and access as men, and that science’s history is often told through the stories of great men, with a few great women making an appearance here and there. But that approach misses the big picture. The history of science isn’t complete without women.

Leila McNeill, an author, editor, and historian of women and gender in science, introduces us to 10 lesser-known women who have, in their own unique ways, shaped the world in which we all live. As you hear about their lives and stories, you’ll discover a more complete picture of science—what science is, how it is done, and who gets to participate. You’ll see that women in science are not anomalies. They aren’t separate from the flow of time and onward march of history. Women, in their own innovative ways, have always played a part in shaping science and, in turn, our world and our understanding of our place in it.

©2023 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2023 Audible Originals, LLC

Enlightening and informative!

While listening to the fascinating and wonderful narratives on the scientific contributions of these women, some of whom I had not heard of, I realize the importance of acknowledging and recognizing their achievements. It makes me realize that there are many more untold stories about other women whose histories have the ability to inspire young girls and other young women everywhere.

Really interesting!

I am most struck by being reminded of the barriers women, and women of color, faced in scientific workplaces. I would guess there are many more stories out there and I would love to hear them!

Great stories

Very good presentation of women who had to fight to be seen and heard, and whose accomplishments go largely unnoticed within the scientific community and the public at large.

not a "great course" per se but worth it

i enjoyed this. it was not a great course as i understand them--she isn't a professor who has earned a reputation as both a scholar and an educator--so it was more like a long article. nonetheless i hadn't heard of any of these fabulous women who we all should have known about, and for that i am grateful. wish there has been more included.

enjoyed

great summaries of women I did not know enough about. glad I made time.