Explores the development of modern Western science from its origins in the ancient world to the present day. Explores major scientific theories through the study of selected original writings in translation as well as modern commentaries.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Students will become conversant with major theories of modern science by investigating Science itself as an evolving method for understanding the natural world. Important scientific concepts and theories will be introduced and developed while the major paradigm shifts within the various scientific disciplines (including Astronomy, Physics, Chemistry and Biology) will serve as the backdrop for this investigation.
- Part 1: Cosmology
- Part 2: Medieval science: influence of Byzantine and Islamic scholarship
- Part 3: Rationalism and the development of scientific inquiry
- Part 4: The scientific revolution
- Part 5: Development of modern scientific ethics
- Part 6: Science in the 21st century
Successful students will:
- Explain selected concepts and theories in science.
- Explain the processes and methodologies involved in modern scientific inquiry.
- Identify the characteristics of the major paradigms in development of Western science and explain how scientific theories come to be considered successful.
- Distinguish science from the pseudo-sciences (such as astrology, alchemy, etc.) by identifying and examining (discerning) characteristics of successful scientific theories.
- Discuss the significance of the contributions of the major players in the development of Western science.
- Relate advances in science or technology to their effects on, and their influence by, the society in which they developed.
This course is not required for any specific program. It was a specialty online course developed by one of our instructors who has since retired. There is not a high demand for it. It did not run the last few times it was offered. If it is to be reactivated at some point, the ENG prerequisite will have to be adjusted.
Assessment and Requirements
Written assignments, exams, and classroom discussions/presentations.
Sample texts include:
John Gribbin: The Scientists. 2003 Random House
J. Bronowski and B. Mazlish. The Western Intellectual Tradition. 1975. Harper Perennial
And course pack material with excerpts from topical authors including S.J. Gould, S. Hawking, J.B.S. Haldane, L. Thomas, et al.
Outcomes
- Natural Sciences
- Category 6: Natural Sciences (Lecture Only)