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The scientific revolution of the 17th century has been described as the "most profound revolution achieved or suffered by the human mind since classical antiquity," and as an event in human culture which "reduces the Renaissance and Reformation to mere episodes." In this course we examine the scientific revolution in historical context from Copernicus to the so-called "Newtonian synthesis" in light of scholarly reappraisals, not only of its salient components, but also the question of its existence as an historical phenomenon. Did the scientific revolution really happen? What is the evidence for its integrity in historical periodization? How was scientific knowledge actually produced, and legitimatized, and by whom? Can we speak authoritatively abou t a distinctly "scientific method" in terms of ways of thinking and concrete practices? How should we understand the so-called "mechanization of the world picture" and the "disenchantment of nature?" What is the relationship of the construction of scientific knowledge to the culture in which it was embedded and the uses to which it was put?
COURSE FORMAT: Discussion
Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS COL Grading Mode: Student Option
Prerequisites: NONE
Last Updated on MAR-24-2000
Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459