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Dr Robert A. Hatch
HIS 2463 (0606X) Sum A 1998
2306 Turlington 6th (3.30 - 4.45)
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 In-Class Essay
Exam in addition to a Take-Home Last Essay. Please note that
attendance and participation are mandatory. Students may chose to write
an extra-credit Optional Essay. Office hours for Dr Hatch are Wednesday
5.00-6.00pm and by appointment, 4123 Turlington Hall. Students are strongly
encouraged to take advantage of Office Hours. Telephone: 392-0271 (24h
machine); EMail: ufhatch@nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu;
WebSite: http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/rhatch
Hatch, Robert A., Study Guide for the History of Science
{Custom Copies: 377.4221; Also available at UBS; Reading is self-paced
by topic}
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
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
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 invited to visit my WebSite, which contains a number of useful items regarding the content of this course (bibliography, WebLinks) as well as useful guides on writing Blue Book Exams and University level essays: http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/rhatch
Evaluation & Requirements take five forms:
1. Completion and comprehension of assigned readings and lectures.
2. Attendance and participation in class lectures and discussions;
unannounced quizzes {Approximately 20%}
3. Mid-Term Exam: Tuesday: 26 May 1998 (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 19 June 1998 (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 envelope with the appropriate postage and address. I will arrange
for a special federal agent to return your materials.
5. Optional Term Papers: 15-page research essay; due no later
than 12.00 Noon, Friday, Week IV. 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 AND MEDIEVAL NATURAL PHILOSOPHY
WEEK I: 11 - 15 May
M 11 May Plotting Our Course; Science & Myth
Readings: Kuhn, Foreword; Begin Toulmin,
Introduction & Chap. 1; Review Hatch, Study Guide. Lindberg,
Chpt. 1
T 12 May More Plotting; What's Science?
Readings: Toulmin, Introduction and Chapter I. Lindberg,
Chpt. 2
W 13 May Egyptian and Babylonian Science: A Sketch
Readings: Toulmin, Introduction and Chapter I. Lindberg, Chpt.
2
Th 14 May The Pre-Socratics
Readings: Toulmin, Chapter II.
F 15 May The Pre-Socratics, Continued
Readings: Continue; read ahead...
M 18 May Aristotle & the Aristotelian Synthesis
Readings: Toulmin, Chapter III; Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter
I. Continue Study Guide as appropriate; Lindberg, Chpt. 3
T 19 May Aristotle & the Synthesis, continued
Readings: Toulmin, Chap. IV and V; Kuhn, Copernican,
Chap. II; Lindberg, Chpt. III.
W 20 May Claudius Ptolemy & Epicyclic Astronomy
Readings: Toulmin, Chap. VI; Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter
III;
Lindberg, Chpt. 5. Read Study Guide with particular care.
Th 21 May Medieval and Renaissance Astronomy & Cosmology
Readings: Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter IV; Lindberg, Chpts.
8 & 9.
F 22 May FILM: Music of the Spheres {Overview}
Readings: Reread Toulmin, I-V; Kuhn, I-IV; Lindberg, review
Chpts. 11, 12, 14; Review all notes
WEEK III: 25 May - 29 May
M 25 May No Class: Memorial Day: Review & Study
Readings: Review and study all readings, notes, and Study
Guide.
T 26 May MID-TERM EXAM: In-Class Essay: Bring Blue Exam Booklet(s)
W 27 May The Scientific Revolution: An Overview
Readings: Toulmin, Chapter VI.
Th 28 May Copernicus & the Copernican Disturbance: Canons of Thought
Readings: Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter V (again); Begin
Chapter VI; Review Lindberg, Chpts. 11 & 12.
| Copernican Perspectives - Take a Peek! |
M 1 June Tycho Brahe, Observer
Readings: Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter VI; Continue J. Henry
T 2 June Tycho and Kepler
Readings: Westfall, Chapter I; Continue Henry
W 3 June Kepler and the Keplerian Revolution
Readings: Reread: Kuhn, Copernican, 219-225; begin
Toulmin, Chapter. VIII; Kuhn, Copernican, Chapter VII. Continue
J. Henry
Th 4 June Galileo and the Galilean Revolution
Readings: Westfall, Chapter I (again); Study Guide.
F 5 June Galileo, Truth, Faith & the Telescope
Readings: Continue
M 8 June Ismaël Boulliau and the Copernican Synthesis
Readings: Begin Westfall, Chapters II and III; Finish J. Henry
Study Guide as appropriate.
T 9 June Descartes and the Cartesian Synthesis
Readings: Westfall, Chapter II; skim Chapter III;
Toulmin, Chapter IX, X; begin Kuhn, Structure.
W 10 June Descartes, continued
Readings: Continue Kuhn, Structure.
Th 11 June Isaac Newton: Man, Revolution / Synthesis / Duality
Readings: Toulmin, Chapter X; Westfall,
Chapter VII and VIII; finish Kuhn, Structure {important}.
F 12 June Newtonian Synthesis: The Uni-Verse
Readings: Kuhn, Copernican, pp. 261-265; Kuhn, Structure
(re-read):
All readings completed. Re-Read Kuhn's Structure: Make list of questions
M 15 June The Structure of Scientific Revolutions:
Some Semblance of Synthesis?
Readings: Review all readings & Study Guide
T 16 June T.S. Kuhn: Birds, Rabbits, and Other Living Things
Readings: Study all notes, readings & Study Guide
W 17 June Discussion & Review
Readings: Review & Think About Issues & Implications
Th 18 June NO CLASS: Essay Preparation
F 19 June NO CLASS: Last
Take-Home Essay Due
| Opps - Almost forgot! What is Gravity? Answer |