The Scientific Revolution and the Foundations of Modern Science

(Hardback)

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Describes how the scientific revolution undermined deep-seated beliefs held for millennia, laying the foundations for the modern world The Scientific Revolution and the Foundations of Modern Science explains how the pursuit of natural philosophy - as science was then called - from about 1500 to 1700 created the foundation upon which modern science has been built. The profound changes in the study of the natural world in this period were made possible by social and cultural changes occurring in Western Europe, and the achievements of men like Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Francis Bacon, Rene Descartes, William Harvey, and Isaac Newton. This book details their ideas and practices, as well as those of others, the concepts they overcame, and the nature of the institutions within which they worked. Designed as an introduction to the age of the scientific revolution, this book offers readers and researchers an appealing mix of narrative chapters, biographical sketches of key figures, and annotated primary documents. An overview of the period introduces the topic, and is followed by chapters on Astronomy and the Cosmos; Matter, Motion and the Cosmos; The Nature of Living Things; Methods for the Advancement of Knowledge; Religion and Natural Philosophy; and the Influence of the Scientific Revolution. A glossary of terms is offered, and the work concludes with an annotated bibliography and index. Part of the Greenwood Guides to Historic Events, 1500-1900 series Explains how scientific advances laid the foundations of the modern world Covers well-known figures such as Galileo and Newton

Reviews

Applebaum offers beginning university students the perfect introduction to the age of the scientific revolution from 1500 to 1800. Many scientific ideas and much medical information improved dramatically during those times as investigators began a relentless drive, which continues today, toward a better understanding of the natural world.One learns about the ideas of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Bacon, Descartes, Harvey, Newton, and many others. Annotated primary documents provide the flavor of the old writing styles and concepts. The numerous diagrams, individual portraits, glossary, annotated bibliography, and the index complete this overview for the young researcher. Highly recommended. General readers; lower-division undergraduates; two-year technical program students. * Choice *
Applebaum introduces high-school and lower-undergraduate students to the developments in science from about 1500 to about 1700 in Europe, changes dubbed the Scientific Revolution in the middle of the 19th century. Among the areas he surveys are astronomy and the cosmos, the nature of living things, new methods for advancing knowledge, and religion and national philosophy. * SciTech Book News *
If you enjoy reading the history of science or need additional background in understanding the historical perspective of science, you should add this book to your collection. The reader-friendly format provides information that teachers at all levels will appreciate. It is rich with opulent stories of both skepticism and openness, underscoring the evolution of ideas that led us to scientific reasoning and discovery.^LIt should become an imperative to weave the logical arguments and skepticism of the history of science into our curriculum. By gaining an appreciation of the history of science, we open the door to greater awareness of scientific inquiry and perseverance. Reading The Scientific Revolution and the Foundations of Modern Science is an excellent way to begin. * NSTA Recommends National Science Teachers Association *
[A] recommended pick for both high school and college-level library holdings, reviewing connections between science and philosophy from 1500 to 1700, a period which created the foundations for the modern science we know today. * MBR Bookwatch *

Author Bio

WILBUR APPLEBAUM is Professor Emeritus, Department of Humanities, Illinois Institute of Technology, where he taught history of science for many years.