Dr Robert A. HATCH
HIS 2463: Sec: 5353X
20 Anderson Hall, MWF 6 {12.50-1.40
Spring 1998
HISTORY OF SCIENCE: ORIGINS TO NEWTON
In this course we survey changes and developments
in Western science (natural philosophy) from earliest times through the
Scientific Revolution of the Seventeenth century. Lectures, discussions,
and readings are concerned with the origin(s), transmission, and development
of scientific ideas, and the emergence of new intellectual and language
communities; particular emphasis is given to changing views and conceptions
of 'science, nature, and man.' There will be a One Hour Exam in
addition to a last Take-Home Essay; class attendance and participation
in discussion is mandatory. Students may write an optional extra-credit
Term Paper. Office hours for Dr Hatch are Wednesday 3.00-6.00pm,
and by appointment, 4123 Turlington Hall; Telephone: 392-0271. Please feel
free to contact me by Internet: ufhatch@nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu.
Course information can also be found at the following WebSite: http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/rhatch
Required Reading is taken from the
following books:
{University Book & Supply, 1227 W. University Avenue; Telephone:
377.1788}
Hatch, Robert A., Study Guide for the History of Science
{Custom Copies; Available, UBS}
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 {Strongly
Recommended}
Westfall, Richard S., The Construction of Modern Science
Recommended Books at the Library:
E. A. Burtt, The Metaphysical Foundations of
Modern Physical 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.
Steve Shapin, The Scientific Revolution
Other recommended volumes are on Reserve at Library East
Evaluation:
All required work is announced on this syllabus;
read it with care. The course is demanding; it involves substantial reading
and writing. Careful preparation and active involvement are critical. Attendance
and participation is mandatory. 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 you
expect to miss class for any reason please notify the Department Secretary;
there is a 24-hour answering machine, 352.392.0271, or contact me by e-mail:
ufhatch@nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu. Please take time to plan your semester schedule
and study commitments with care: When in doubt consult the syllabus; ask
questions; and read ahead.
Evaluation takes five forms:
1. Comprehension of assigned readings and lectures.
2. Attendance and participation in class lectures and
discussions; unannounced quizzes {Approximately 15-20%)
3. Mid-Term Exam: Monday, 9 February 1998 (35%)
Written in-class essay exam; full details and Study Questions will be provided.
Please note that this in-class essay exam is much more difficult than it
may at first appear. Careful preparation is critical.
4. Last Take-Home Essay: Nota Bene: Due
Monday, 27 April 1998 (50%). Written take-home essay. This Essay exam is
limited to 1000 words, the equivalent of five {5} typed pages, double spaced,
typed {please: no binders; kindly staple securely}. Students should retain
a photocopy of their work for backup purposes. If you wish to have your
Take-Home Essay returned, please supply a large brown business envelope
(9x12) with appropriate address and postage and your essay (and final course
grade) will be returned by a special federal agent.
5. Optional Term Papers: 15-20 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 grade to 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.
But it is important to consider whether you have sufficient time to make
a solid and rewarding effort, given that required readings in this course
increase in quantity and subtlety for the Last Take-Home Essay. Kindly
consult the Study Guide for details regarding topic selection, approval,
submission timetables, bibliography, and suggestions about research and
writing. As always, students should take full advantage of Office Hours
for discussion and consultation. Finally, because writing is a critical
component of your education, students, regardless of their writing skills,
are strongly encouraged to visit the Writing Clinic {2107 Turlington
Hall; 392.0791}for evaluation and additional assistance.
PART I: ANCIENT &
MEDIEVAL NATURAL PHILOSOPHY
WEEK I: 6 - 9 January
WF: Plotting Our Course
Readings: Kuhn, Foreword; Begin Toulmin, Introduction & Chap.
1; Toulmin, Introduction and Chapter I; Lindberg, Chapters 1 & 2; Review
Study Guide; Read Preface & Intro of required books.
WEEK II: 12 - 16 January
MWF: Egyptian & Babylonian Science: A Sketch
Early Greek Cosmology: The Pre-Socratics
Readings: Toulmin, Chapter 2; Lindberg, Chapter 2 {Review};
Review Study Guide; Reader.
Discussion Topic: Science & Myth; What is Truth & Reality?
WEEK III: 20 - 23 January
M No Class: MLK Holiday
WF: Aristotle: The Aristotelian Synthesis
Readings: Toulmin, Chapter 3; Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter 1;
Lindberg, Chapter 3; Review Study Guide; Reader.
Discussion Topic: Aristotle vs. Plato
WEEK IV: 26 - 30 January
MWF: Ptolemy and the Almagest (Mathematical Synthesis)
Readings: Toulmin, Chap. 3 & 5; Kuhn, Copernican Chap.
2;
Lindberg, Chapter 5; Review Study Guide; Reader.
WEEK V: 2 - 6 February
M: From Ancient to Medieval Science: An Overview (film)
Readings: Toulmin, Chap. 6; Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter
1;
Lindberg, Chapters 8 & 9; Review Study Guide; Reader.
W: Medieval and Renaissance Astronomy
Readings: Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter 4;
FORMAL REVIEW: Prepare Questions
Readings: Reread Toulmin, 1-5; Kuhn, 1-4;
Lindberg, Chapters 11, 12, 14; Review Study Guide; Reader; & all
notes
WEEK VI: 9 - 13 February
M MID-TERM EXAMINATION:
{Bring Blue Examination Booklet}
W NO CLASS: Review
Final Required Readings
F Examinations Returned;
Formal Review
PART II: THE SCIENTIFIC
REVOLUTION
WEEK VII: 16 - 20 February
MWF: The Scientific Revolution: A Portrait {slides}
Readings: Toulmin, Chapter 7; Review Study Guide; Reader;
Begin J. Henry, Scientific Revolution
Discussion Topic: Continuity, Revolution; Internal, External
WEEK VIII: 23 - 27 February
MWF 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; Review Study Guide; Reader.
WEEK IX: 2 - 6 March
MWF: Tycho Brahe, Observer and Bon Vivant
Readings: Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter 6;
Continue J. Henry; Review Study Guide; Reader.
Discussion Topic: World Systems, Birds, Rabbits, etc.
WEEK X: 9 - 13 March
NO CLASSES: SPRING BREAK
WEEK XI: 16 - 20 March
MWF: Kepler and the New Astronomy {The Keplerian Revolution}
Readings: Westfall, Chapter 1; Continue J. Henry;
Review Study Guide; Continue with the Reader.
WEEK XII: 23 - 27 March
MWF: Galileo and the New Astronomy {The Galilean Revolution?}
Readings: Reread: Kuhn, Copernican, pp. 117-118, 219-226;
begin Toulmin, Chapter 8; Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter 7;
Finish J. Henry; Continue Lindberg; Begin Kuhn, Structure of Scientific
Revolutions;
Review Study Guide.
Discussion Topic: Metaphysics, Method, and Experiment
WEEK XIII: 30 March - 3 April
M: Ismaël Boulliau and the Copernican Synthesis
Readings: Begin Westfall, Chapters 2 & 3;
Continue, Kuhn, Structure; Review Study Guide; Reader.
Discussion Topic: The Geometrical Spirit and Mechanical Worldviews
WF: Descartes & the Mechanical Philosophy (Cartesian Synthesis)
Readings: Toulmin, Chapter 9. Re-read Kuhn, Structure {then
re-think Kuhn's structure}; Review Study Guide; Reader.
WEEK XIV: 6 - 10 April
MWF: Isaac Newton and the Newtonian Synthesis
Readings: Toulmin, Chapter 9-10; Westfall, Chapters 7-8; Finish
Kuhn, Structure; Review Study Guide; Reader.
Review all Readings & Notes {and do some thinking}
WEEK XV: 13 - 17 April
M: Kuhn's SSR: Revolution?
W: Birds, Rabbits & Other Living Things
WEEK XVI: 20-22 April
MW FINAL REVIEW: Study & Review All Readings & Notes
Nota Bene: LAST TAKE-HOME ESSAY
DUE: 12:00 Noon, Monday, 27 April 1998:
History Main Office: 4131 Turlington Hall: {PS: Don't forget
your Stamped Envelope!
rah.feb.1998
Need help with writing skills, bibliography,
or other research resources? Click Here: X
| Opps - Almost forgot! What
is Gravity? Answer |
