HISTORY OF SCIENCE:
ORIGINS TO NEWTON
Dr Robert A. Hatch - HIS 3463 (2507X)
- Summer B 2000
MTWRF 6 (3.30-4.45) - 2305 Turlington Hall
In
this course we survey changes and developments in Western science (natural
philosophy) from earliest times through the Scientific Revolution of the
17th century. Lectures, discussions, and readings are concerned with the
origin(s), transmission, and development of scientific and philosophical
ideas, and the emergence of new intellectual, cultural, and linguistic
communities and practices. Particular emphasis is given to changing views
and conceptions of the traditional triad: 'Science, Nature, Man.' There
will be a One Hour In-Class Essay Exam in addition to a Take-Home Last
Essay. Please note that attendance is mandatory, participation expected.
Students may chose to write an extra-credit Optional Research Essay; please
see the Study Guide and elsewhere at this WebSite for details.
Office hours for Professor Hatch are Wednesday, 4.45-6.00pm and by appointment,
4123 Turlington Hall. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage
of Office Hours. Telephone: 392.0271 (24h machine); E-Mail: ufhatch@ufl.edu.
In addition, required materials are also found at my WebSite: http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/rhatch
Required
Reading is taken from the
following books and from this WebSite:
Gator Textbooks, Creekside Mall, 3501 SW
2nd Avenue, Suite D: 374.4500; for further information see their
WebSite: http://www.gatortextbooks.com
Hatch,
Robert A., Study Guide for the History of Science
{Custom Copies: 377.4221;
Also at Gator Textbooks; Also on-line at this WebSite}
Henry, John, The Scientific Revolution
& the Origins of Modern Science
Kuhn, Thomas S., The Copernican Revolution
Kuhn, Thomas S., The Structure of Scientific
Revolutions
Lindberg, David C., The Beginnings of
Western Science
Toulmin, S. & J. Goodfield, The
Fabric of the Heavens {Recommended}
Westfall, Richard S., The Construction
of Modern Science
Recommended
Books at the Library:
E.
A. Burtt, The Metaphysical Foundations of Modern Physical Science.
Herbert Butterfield, The Origins of
Modern Science
Alan Debus, Man and Nature in the Renaissance.
Edward Grant, Physical Science in the
Middle Ages.
G.E.R. Lloyd, Aristotle: The Growth
and Structure of His Thought.
Carolyn Merchant, The Death of Nature:
Women, Ecology, and the Scientific Revolution.
Londa Schiebinger, The Mind Has No Sex?:
Women in the Origins of Modern Science.
Stephen Shapin, The Scientific Revolution
Other
recommended volumes are found at Library East & the Science Library
Evaluation
All required work is announced
on this syllabus. But please note. This is a demanding course, particularly
as a Summer Session offering. As this syllabus indicates, the
course involves substantial reading and writing. Attendance is mandatory
and careful preparation and active involvement in discussion is critical.
Evaluation criteria and course requirements are straightforward. Since
a schedule is provided in advance, absences and arrangements for late
work must be approved in advance. Please plan your course schedule
and study commitments with care. When in doubt consult the syllabus,
ask questions, and read ahead. Finally, students are expected to read
and understand a number of items (concerning examinations, writing papers,
secondary readings, etc.) available at my posted WebSite. This
WebSite contains useful items for students (bibliography, WebLinks,
Search Engines, etc.) as well as practical guides on writing Blue Book
Exams and University level essays, as well as suggestions about Reading
Writing. Students are responsible for reading this material: http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/rhatch
Evaluation
takes five forms:
1.
Completion and comprehension of assigned readings and lectures.
2. Attendance and participation in class
lectures and discussions is mandatory. Please be certain to understand
this basic course requirement. In addition there may be unannounced
quizzes {Approximately 20%}
3. Mid-Term Exam: Monday, 17 July
2000 (30%) Written in-class 'Blue-Book' Essay Exam. Please see the WebSite
for guidelines and suggestions in preparing for this exam.
4. Take-home Essay: Nota Bene:
Due 12.oo Noon Friday 11 August 2000 (c. 50%) in 4131 Turlington Hall
(Main History Office). Written take-home essay: This Essay exam is limited
to 1000 words, the equivalent of five {5} typed pages, double spaced,
typed {no binders please: Kindly staple securely}. Please see the WebSite
for suggestions in preparing and writing this essay. Students should
retain a photocopy of their work for backup purposes. If you wish to
have your essay returned, kindly supply a large manilla envelope (9x12)
with the appropriate postage and address. I will arrange for a Special
Federal Agent to return your essay and final course grade.
5. Optional Term Papers: 15-page
research essay; due no later than 12.00 Noon, Friday, Week V. The optional
paper provides extra credit and can add as much as one letter to the
final course grade. The paper is non compulsory; no one is penalized
for not choosing this option. The term paper allow interested students
to pursue a course topic in greater detail or to identify an area not
treated in this general survey course of readings and lectures. Consider
carefully whether you have sufficient time to do a proper job. The Optional
Paper should represent a solid and rewarding effort. It is possible
that your time would be better directed to the required readings. Required
reading increases in quantity, subtlety, and significance as the course
aims at the Last Take-home Essay. In all cases, the topic for the Optional
Term Paper must be approved by your instructor. Please consult the Study
Guide and the WebSite noted above for details regarding topic selection,
approval, submission timetables, general bibliography, and suggestions
about research and writing. As always, students should take advantage
of Office Hours for discussion and consultation.
PART I:
ANCIENT & MEDIEVAL NATURAL PHILOSOPHY
WEEK I: 3-7 July
M - 6 Plotting
Our Course
T - 6 - 4 July - Independence
Day: No Class: Have Fun!
W-F - 6 - Egyptian and Babylonian Science: A Sketch
Readings: Kuhn,
Copernican, Foreword; Begin Toulmin, Introduction & Chap. 1; Acquaint
yourself with all required books. Lindberg, Chapters 1 & 2; Visit
WebSite. Begin with Teaching
Resources; then read: Undergraduate
Guide to the History of Science.
NB: The Study Guide is self-paced by topic: RRSR {Read,
Review & Study Regularly}: Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
Discussion Topic: Science, Myth, Language
Early Greek Cosmology: The Pre-Socratics
Readings: Toulmin, Chapter 2; Lindberg, Chapter 2, continue;
Continue WebSite Teaching
Resources & Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
Discussion Topic: Truth & Reality?
Aristotle: The Aristotelian Synthesis
Readings: Lindberg, Chapter 3; Toulmin, Chapter 3; Kuhn, Copernican,
Chapter 1-2.
Continue WebSite Teaching
Resources & Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
Discussion Topic: Aristotle vs. Plato
WEEK II: 10-14 July
M-F-6 Ptolemy
& the Almagest (Mathematical Synthesis) -- {slide show}
Readings: Toulmin, Chap. 3 & 5; Kuhn, Copernican Chap. 2;
Lindberg, Chapter 5
Finish WebSite Teaching
Resources & Continue:
Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
Discussion Topic: Astronomy & Cosmology
From Ancient to Medieval Science: An
Overview (film)
Readings: Lindberg, Chapters 8 & 9; Toulmin, Chap. 6.
Continue: Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
Discussion Topic: Transmission Problems
Medieval and Renaissance Astronomy
Readings: Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter 4; Lindberg, Chapters 11,
12, 14.
Continue: Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
Discussion Topic: Discussion REVIEW:
Review All Required Texts; Review All Notes.
PART II:
THE SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
WEEK III: 17-21 July
M-6: MID-TERM
EXAM: Monday 17 July: Bring Blue Exam Booklet(s)
T-6: NO CLASS Tuesday
Readings: Review and study all readings and notes; Continue Toulmin;
Begin Henry.
The Scientific Revolution: A Portrait
{slides}
Readings: Toulmin, Chapter 7; Begin J. Henry.
Continue: Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide;
Read: Hatch -
The Scientific Revolution: Paradigm Lost?
Begin: Hatch - The Scientific Revolution
HomePage
Discussion Topic: Continuity, Revolution; Internal, External
WEEK IV: 24-28 July
M-F-6 Copernicus
& the Copernican Disturbance {Gee Nick! No Revolution?}
Readings: Review Lindberg, Chapters 11 & 12; Kuhn, Copernican,
Chapter 5 (again); begin Chapter 6; Continue J. Henry. Continue:
Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide; then Read & Review: The
Big Guys - The Scientific Revolution
Discussion Topic: Revolutionary Points of Detail
Tycho Brahe, Observer, Cosmologist &
Bon Vivant
Readings: Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter 6; Continue J. Henry;
Continue: Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
See: Hatch
- The World Systems
Discussion Topic: World Systems, Birds, Rabbits, etc.
Kepler & the New Astronomy {A Keplerian Revolution?}
Readings: Westfall, Chapter 1; Continue J. Henry;
Continue: Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
Discussion Topic:
Were These Guys Geniuses?
Galileo & the New Astronomy {A Galilean
Revolution?}
Readings: Reread: Kuhn, Copernican, pp. 117-118, 219-226;
Toulmin, Chapter 8; Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter 7;
Continue J. Henry; Continue:
Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
Discussion Topic: Metaphysics, Method, and Experiment
WEEK V: 31 July - 4 August
M-F-6 Ismaël
Boulliau {A Copernican Synthesis?}
Readings: Begin Westfall, Chapters 1 & 2; Begin Kuhn, Structure.
Web-Bio, Ismael
Boulliau
Continue: Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
Discussion Topic: The Geometrical Spirit and Mechanical Worldviews
Descartes & the Mechanical
Philosophy [The Cartesian Synthesis]
Readings: Westfall, Chapter 2 & 3; Toulmin, Chapter 9; finish
J. Henry. Web-Bio
Finish Kuhn, Structure. Continue:
Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
Discussion Topic: The Mechanical Philosophy
Isaac Newton & the
'Newtonian Synthesis'
Readings: Toulmin, Chapter 9-10; Westfall, Chapters 7 & 8;
Web-Bio(s), Hatch - Sir Isaac Newton;
Re-read Kuhn, Structure {then re-think Kuhn's Structure}.
Continue: Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
Discussion Topic: Mechanism, Materialism, Force--action-at-a-distance!
WEEK VI: 7-10 August
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions:
Of Birds, Rabbits, & Other Living Things...
Readings: Review all Readings and Lecture Notes
Review: Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
Discussion & Review: Toward Synthesis and or Revolution or and
/ - = . .
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Questions?
Please e-me: ufhatch@ufl.edu