HISTORY OF SCIENCE:  ORIGINS TO NEWTON
Dr Robert A. Hatch - 226 Keene-Flint Hall - 392-0271
HIS 3463 (5049X) - Summer B 2002
MTWRF 6 (3.30-4.45) - 111 Keene-Flint 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, 226 Keene-Flint Hall. Students are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of Office Hours. Telephone: 392.0271 (24h machine); E-Mail: ufhatch@ufl.edu. In addition, required materials are also found at my WebSite. It is highly recommended that students 'Bookmark' this page under 'Favorites': http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/rhatch/pages

Required Reading is taken from the following books and from this WebSite. Books are available with an Exclusive Order from: Gator Textbooks, Creekside Mall, 3501 SW 2nd Avenue, Suite D:  374.4500; for further information see their WebSite: http://www.gatortextbooks.com . The A Study Guide for the History of Science is produced by Custom Copies (377.4221) and can be obtained at their store: 309 NW 13th Street: http://www.customcopiesandtexbooks.com/ .

Hatch, Robert A., Study Guide for the History of Science
    {Custom Copies: 377.4221: 309 NW 13th Street}

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
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 that this is a demanding course, particularly as a Summer Session offering.  As this syllabus indicates, the course involves substantial reading and writing. As a consequence, attendance is mandatory and careful planning and preparation are critical. Because 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. The Course Mantra One: When in doubt: Consult the syllabus; ask questions; 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, which contains useful items (bibliography, WebLinks, Search Engines, etc.) as well as practical guides on writing Blue Book Exams, University level essays, and more general guides about Reading & Writing & Studying.  Students are responsible for reading this material early in the course. It is highly recommended that students 'Bookmark' this page under 'Favorites': http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/rhatch/pages


Evaluation takes five forms: All course requirement must be met to complete the course:

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 be unannounced quizzes {Approximately 20%}
and class attendance will be monitored.
3. Mid-Term Exam: Wednesday, 17 July 2002 (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 12.00 Noon Friday 9 August 2002 (c. 50%) in History Main Office (025 Keene-Flint Hall). 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 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 allows 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 which increase in quantity, subtlety, and significance as the course aims at the Last Take-home Essay. Please consult the Study Guide and the WebSite for details regarding topic selection, approval, submission timetables, and suggestions about research and writing. As always, students should take advantage of Office Hours for consultation.


Further Details: 'What is Expected - What do I Need to Know?' - A Fair Question!

PART I:    ANCIENT & MEDIEVAL NATURAL PHILOSOPHY

WEEK I: 1-5 July

M - Plotting Our Course

T-W - 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; For assistance, read: Mythopoeic Thought & the Pre-Socratics

Th - 4 July - Independence Day: No Class: Have Fun!

F - 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?
For Cosmology, See: Hatch - The World Systems


WEEK II: 8-12 July

M-F
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


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


WEEK III: 15-19 July

M -   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.


T : MID-TERM-REVIEW: Come prepared for Q&A and Discussion.

Readings: Review and study all readings and notes; Continue Toulmin; Begin Henry.

W : MID-TERM EXAM: Wednesday: Bring Blue Exam Booklet(s). Again: Please see the WebSite for guidelines and suggestions in preparing for this exam. How to take a Blue-Book Exam.

R : NO CLASS: Recuperate


F : REVIEW of Mid-Term Exam (Attendance Mandatory)


PART II:    THE SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION


WEEK IV: 22-26 July

M-F :   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

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
See: Tycho Brahe - Official Site

Discussion Topic: World Systems, Birds, Rabbits, etc.
Visit & Study: Hatch: The World Systems & Kepler's 'Laws'

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?


WEEK V: 29 July - 2 August

M-F :  
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
Visit & Study: The Galileo Project
Discussion Topic
: Metaphysics, Method, and Experiment 


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


WEEK VI: 5-9 August

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!


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

Remember the Beginning: 'What is Expected - What do I Need to Know?' - A Fair Question!
Discussion & Review
: Toward Synthesis and or Revolution or and / - = . .




Nota Bene: Last Take-home Essay Due:
12:00 Noon, Friday 9 August 2002
History Department Main Office - 025 Keene-Flint Hall

Please staple your typewritten exam (no binders please).  Include your name and SSN on the cover page and (as standard procedure) the Course Title, Number, and the Date. If you wish to have your essay returned, please attach a large (9x12) clasp envelope with appropriate postage and your address. I will arrange to have your essay and final course grade delivered by a Special Federal Agent.

Questions? Please e-me: ufhatch@ufl.edu
 
Opps - Almost forgot!  What is Gravity?  Answer

BACK - HOME