History of Science: Antiquity to 1700

By: The Great Courses, Lawrence M. Principe

Narrated by: Lawrence M. Principe

For well over 2,000 years, much of our fundamental "desire to know" has focused on science. Our commitment to science and technology has been so profound that these stand as probably the most powerful influences on human culture. To truly understand our Western heritage, our contemporary society, and ourselves as individuals, we need to know what science is and how it developed.

In this 36-lecture series, one of science's most acclaimed teachers takes you through science's complex evolution of thought and discovery, often originating from ideas that by today's technological perspective might be considered ridiculous or humorous, although many are still relevant today. You'll consider science's often fascinating history, from ancient times to the Scientific Revolution, in terms of several penetrating questions, including two of special importance: Who pursued science, and why? What happened, and why?

In the hands of Professor Principe, the history of science becomes far more than just a litany of dates, significant individuals, and breakthrough discoveries. In examining the evolution of science, he restores the vitally important context that has been lost from the discussion, showing how science is characterized by ideas that link eras widely separated in time. A primary theme is the relationship between science and religion. Today, we tend to see the two as separate and even antagonistic. Theology, in fact, is a principal motivator for scientific inquiry. And in the Middle Ages, Christianity and Islam were of paramount importance in preserving and furthering scientific knowledge.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2002 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2002 The Great Courses

Interesting

An interesting course. It's very nice to learn the context of many scientific discoveries. I appreciate the fact that the lecturer explains the background of the discoveries- and not only jumping from one to another. I also acknowledge the central role of various religions in preserving and improving scientific knowledge. However, the lecturer seems to ignore religious persecution of science and knowledge- such as the Cristiano abolishment of the academies in Byzantion and the consequential Greek philosophers flight to the muslim empire. He also does not mention that the first university was founded by a Muslim women in Marroco, centuries before any European university. Although religions contributed to scientific discoveries, once they understand the peril of scientific discoveries to their exsistance, they have started fighting science ferociously.

Illuminating

Very enjoyable tour of the history of Science. Engaging lecturer, this book filled in gaps and contextualized things I already knew.

Enlightening, entertaining and exciting!

Very well researched and presented a vast landscape of scientific history. I learned a lot and my curiosity about many of the ideas discussed and the scientists involved has led me to read more about these as I listened. I ordered 3 books to expand on this course, which I think is the sincerest form of flattery

Interesting topic. Mediocre lecturer

The narrator has long pauses that take away from the presentation.

The material is shallow but that is to be expected. This is for the small section of people whom are interested in the history of science but never had any formal study of it

Awesome

Finished in a few days, really enjoyed a lot. Very recommended, changed my perspective on science / religion relationship completely

Heavy on Theology

Really great commentary, interesting perspective even if overtly biased (somewhat revisionist).

Even though some of the back stories were good, there were a lot of ones about cathedral imagery and far fewer about the interesting lives that the "scientists" (natural philosophers) led. If you enjoy hearing slightly more drawn out biographies about the scientists, then I highly recommend the very enjoyable Concise History of Everything, which is also on Audible.

I can't critique the professor too harshly though because it was informative to have a theologian scholar reflect on this time period when religion and natural philosophy were so often intertwined. Sometimes I was left wishing the professor understood the actual science behind the history as well as he knew to draw on obscure biblical references when discussing the divinity of natural philosophy. The Arabic scientific knowledge chapters were presented well but were way too brief. Eastern learning was entirely left out.

Great Storytelling

This lecturer was a great storyteller and gave great background into historical figures like Newton, Pythagoras, and Plato. I highly recommend a listen.

Every practicing scientist or innovator...

Every practicing scientist, analyst or industry specialist should know his or her roots. Professor Principe does a very good job surveying the western contributions to modern scientific thought.

Fantastic course

An excellent,excellent course from Dr.Principe,he is a genius guy with a lot of knowledge and informations,He had a nice matter of explanation with good details in an understandable way,really he knows what he is talking about,I wish that I can give him ten stars instead of five, thanks a lot Dr.principe for this great course and the other course of science and religion,finally recommended to anyone who's interested in this topic.

a genuine learning experience

this was a genuine learning experience that open my eyes to the real, honest survey of our history of science. there were surprises of major well-known characters, and there were discoveries of characters I never knew.
additionally, there were many surprising themes. For example, this series will certainly change many Minds about the so-called battle between religion and science.
I've listened to the entirety of these lectures twice now. just an enormous wealth of knowledge that is now bestowed to me.