HISTORY OF SCIENCE:
ORIGINS TO NEWTON
Dr Robert A. Hatch - HIS 3463 (5353X)
- Spring 2001
MWF 8 (3.00-3.50) - 2318 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. This is a demanding course. Please note that attendance is mandatory,
participation expected. Please be very clear about this basic course requirement.
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, 4.00-7.00pm, 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.
As this syllabus indicates, the course involves substantial reading
and writing. Attendance is mandatory and careful preparation and active
involvement in the course and in discussion are 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. If for any reason you must miss class, send
me an email message. If students miss class, they are responsible for
obtaining notes from other students; if questions arise, please see
your instructor during Office Hours. A key concern is that each student
plan their course schedule and study commitments with care. Central
to the course is: 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. This WebSite contains
useful items for students (bibliography, WebLinks, Search Engines, etc.)
including practical guides on writing Blue Book Exams and University
level essays, as well as suggestions more generally about Reading &
Writing. Students are responsible for understanding these materials:
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: Monday, 19 February
2001 (30%) Written in-class 'Blue-Book' Essay Exam. Please see the WebSite
for suggestions in preparing for this exam. To
make this as easy as possible: How
to Write a 'Blue-Book Exam'
4. Take-home Essay: Nota Bene:
Due 12.00 Noon, Monday, 30 April 2001 in 4131 Turlington Hall (Main
History Office). The Take-Home Essay (c. 50%) is a written take-home
essay 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 (as standard practice)
for backup purposes. If you wish to have your essay returned, kindly
supply a large manilla envelope (9x12) with the appropriate postage
and your address. I will arrange for a Special Federal Agent to return
your essay and final course grade. Student essays will not otherwise
remain available. S
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. To make this as easy
as possible, please see: Optinal
Research Essay.
PART I:
ANCIENT & MEDIEVAL NATURAL PHILOSOPHY
WEEK I: 8 - 12 January
MWF 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: 15 - 19 January
MWF 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: 22 - 26
January
MWF 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: 29 January
- 2 February
MWF 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
Find out about Stellar Parallax & Retrograde Motion: See: Hatch
- The World Systems
Discussion Topic: Astronomy & Cosmology
WEEK V: 5 - 9 February
MWF 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: 12 - 16 February
MWF 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: 19 - 23
February
Moday: MID-TERM EXAM:
{Bring Blue Examination Booklet(s)}
NO CLASS Wednesday; Friday:
Review of Mid-Term Exam: Attendance Mandatory.
Readings: Review and study all readings and notes; Continue Toulmin;
Begin Henry.
PART II:
THE SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
WEEK VIII: 26 February
- 2 March
MWF 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: 3 - 10 March:
Spring Break - No Class: Enjoy - Ah, read a book!
WEEK
X: 12 - 16 March
MWF 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: 19 - 23 March
MWF 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: 26 - 30
March
MWF 8 Kepler
& the New Astronomy {A Keplerian Revolution?}
Readings: Westfall, Chapter 1; Continue J. Henry;
Continue: Hatch
- History of Science Study Guide
See Kepler's Laws: Hatch
- The World Systems
Discussion Topic:
Were These Guys Geniuses?
WEEK XIII: 2 - 6 April
MWF 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: 9 - 13 April
MWF 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
Study Boulliau's Conical Hypothesis: See: Hatch
- The World Systems
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: 16 - 20 April
T7-8 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
See the world-famous Newton Page: The
Newton Page
Discussion Topic: Mechanism, Materialism, Force--action-at-a-distance!
WEEK XVI: 23 - 25
April
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
/ - = . .
|
Questions?
Please e-me: ufhatch@ufl.edu