HISTORY OF SCIENCE:
ORIGINS TO NEWTON
Dr Robert A. Hatch - HIS 3463 (5353X)
- Spring 2000
MWF 8 (3.00-3.50) - 2350 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 expected, participation is mandatory.
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, 4.00-5.00pm, Friday, 1.00-3.00,
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.
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. Unannounced quizzes {Approximately
20%}
3. Mid-Term Exam: Wednesday, 23
February 2000 (30%) Written in-class 'Blue-Book' Essay Exam. Please
see the WebSite for suggestions in preparing for this exam.
4. Take-home Essay: Nota Bene:
Due Monday 1 May 2000 (c. 50%). 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 XIV. 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: 10 - 14 January
M-W-F-8 Plotting
Our Course
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
WEEK II: 19 - 21 January
(Monday: MLK Holiday - No Class)
M-W-F-8 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?
WEEK III: 24 - 28
January
M-W-F-8 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 IV: 31 January
- 4 February
M-W-F-8 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
WEEK V: 7 - 11 February
M-W-F-8 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 VI: 14 - 18 February
M-W-F-8 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.
WEEK VII: 21 - 25
February
M-W-F-8 MID-TERM
EXAM: Wednesday, 23 February
NO CLASS Friday
Readings: Review and study all readings and notes; Continue Toulmin;
Begin Henry.
PART II:
THE SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
WEEK VIII: 28 February
- 3 March
M-W-F-8 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 IX: 6 - 10 March
- SPRING BREAK {Have Fun}
WEEK X: 13 - 17 March
M-W-F-8 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
WEEK XI: 20 - 24 March
M-W-F-8 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.
WEEK XII: 27 - 31
March
M-W-F-8 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 XIII: 3 - 7 April
M-W-F-8 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 XIV: 10 - 14
April
M-8 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
W-F-8: 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 XV: 17 - 21 April
M-W-F-8 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 XVI: 24 - 26
April
M-W-8: 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