History 697S/797S:
Scientific Revolution
Spring 2006 , Monday 2:30 - 5:00 pm
Synopsis:
In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, something important happened to the way Europeans understood the world. This shift in understanding has conventionally been called “the Scientific Revolution.” But some modern scholars deny that such a thing ever happened. In this course we will approach the Scientific Revolution from a broad historiographical perspective, with a focus on the discipline of history of science but drawing also on intellectual history and the history of philosophy. Our trajectory will follow modern interpretations, from the metaphysical and methodological approaches that characterized the early twentieth century, through social and epistemological approaches, to the contextual, cultural approaches that characterize history of science at the beginning of the twenty-first century. By following the changing interpretations of the Scientific Revolution from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present, students will come to better understand both the Scientific Revolution itself and the development of modern history of science. Students may register for this course as a readings course (697S) or a research seminar (797S); assignments will differ but all students will be expected to participate in weekly discussions. Students interested in getting a head start on the readings over break should contact Professor Ogilvie by e-mail (ogilvie@history.umass.edu).
Syllabus: Not available
Course Website: Not available
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