Science in the Twentieth Century: A Social-Intellectual Survey

By: Steven L. Goldman, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Steven L. Goldman

As the 19th century drew to a close, the age-old quest to understand the physical world appeared to be complete, except for a few minor details. In fact, Albert Michelson, the first American to win a Nobel Prize in the sciences, noted that, "It seems probable that most of the grand underlying principles have been firmly established." And he was far from alone among his peers. Scientists in 1900 had no inkling of the other mind-boggling developments that lay in wait: plate tectonics, genetic engineering, space probes, nanotechnology, big bang theory, electronic computers, nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, and many other astounding products of the human mind. Indeed, by the end of the 20th century, nearly every 19th-century theory of natural and social phenomena would be overthrown or superseded.

This dynamic transformation has not been a matter of revolution, but of evolution, as you'll learn in this fascinating 36-lecture exploration of scientific growth filled with ideas, anecdotes, and insights. You'll see how 20th-century scientists have built on crucial 19th-century concepts such as energy, natural selection, atoms, fields, and waves to assemble a body of knowledge to stun even the most farsighted scientific thinkers of that not-too-distant past.

You'll come away with a new appreciation of how scientific knowledge expands, as Professor Goldman addresses a tremendous range of scientific and technological topics, including science and society, physics, mathematics, psychology, cosmology, telecommunications, meteorology, and archaeology.

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

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses

Great Review of many topics, perhaps too many

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Professor does a wonderful job covering recent developments in Physics, Math, Chem, Bio in the first half of the book. He also, very successfully, connects the common themes and concepts across these disciplines very well.

The second half of the book attempts to do the same thing with various topics in humanity and social sci, e.g culture, political sci, Psych. Treatment of these topics is very rudimentary and in-effective. He also fails to demonstrate a common theme that connects these areas and associated developments.

Perhaps for the next edition of the course, he may consider splitting the book/course in two volumes.

Overall, a good course worth listening to.

Thoroughly entertaining

A fascinating journey across the entire spectrum of sciences covering physical, biological and social discoveries, evolution and innovations. Narration is top notch and content is well presented. Thank you Professor Goldman.

Outstanding

Honestly the best TGC I have ever taken. Only time I felt compelled to write a review. Plus the teacher’s voice is great to listen to.

Unquestionably the finest lectures ever listened to from start to completion

Never has a presenter existed to identical mosaic of knowledge, thoughts, & meaningful associations as this superbly informed and impassioned lecturer. To my surprise much new was gained, which included personal aspects found back stories that enhance his given topics. A lecturer for the veraciously interested people who naturally ponder the life they live.

Fantastic survey of the mosaic that is science’s response to human experience.

Found this survey incredibly helpful, glimpsing a 10,000 foot view of the last 100 years of scientific research and how all the scientific fields are interconnected.

Another great course from Goldman

Everything I expected and more, an excellent adventure into science with the reward of wisdom given to anyone who endures ans listens to the end.

nicely done

If you could sum up Science in the Twentieth Century: A Social-Intellectual Survey in three words, what would they be?

looking back to look forward.

What other book might you compare Science in the Twentieth Century: A Social-Intellectual Survey to and why?

i need to claim ignorance here. while i have read parts of other books on the history of science - i have not read one completely,.so i do not feel qualified to compare. however reading this book HAS wetted my appetite to read more on this subject.

What does Professor Steven L. Goldman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

a loving and keen interest in the subject matter ! i am a ' self starter ' when it comes to ideas that interest me. reading on my own will stimulate me to ' mentally ' dig into a subject
deeper. with that said it is always so wonderful to listen to or even talk to somebody who has a love affair with a particular aspect of our lives!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

the best is yet to come.

Any additional comments?

what a wonderful read. i plan on reading more on this subject and hope to come accross the good professor again.

Best of about 15 lectures I've taken from TGC

Slightly dated, but his insight and bredth of knowledge makes up for it in so many ways.

Hard to put down!

Where does Science in the Twentieth Century: A Social-Intellectual Survey rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have listened to many Great Courses ... this is my favorite to date. Every topic is both interesting and delivered well with a little humour and in a way that is easy to understand.

What other book might you compare Science in the Twentieth Century: A Social-Intellectual Survey to and why?

Cosmos. Inexplicable Universe. Most science Great Courses.

Worthwhile

Pace is great narration is really impressive: great command and passion for the subject. Some explanations are a tad pat but overall excellent.