Ancient Greek and Roman Science – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 79
Dec 14, 2023
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Liba Taub, a science historian and author, discusses the science of ancient Greece and Rome. The podcast explores the link between poetry, philosophy, and science. It also delves into the engagement in science among the ancients, the enduring impact of ancient science, and the importance of studying ancient sources and visual evidence.
Ancient Greek and Roman scientific and technical texts were often written by poets, indicating the overlap between science and poetry in Greco-Roman culture.
Studying ancient texts provides insights into the broader context of science in ancient cultures and its historical significance.
Deep dives
Science in Ancient Greece and Rome
Ancient Greek and Roman societies are often credited with the origins of science. However, the concept of science as we know it today did not exist in the ancient world. Nevertheless, there were individuals in ancient texts who actively engaged in the study of nature, medicine, and mathematics. While not labeled 'scientists', they possessed specialist knowledge and skills. Ancient scientific and technical texts were not always in the same format as modern works. Some of the most important scientific and technical texts were written by individuals primarily known as poets, indicating the overlap between science and poetry in Greco-Roman culture. The practical aspect of ancient science is often overlooked, but many of those known for scientific and mathematical work were also celebrated for their practical achievements.
Legacy and Continuity in Ancient Science
The ideas and practices of ancient Greek and Roman science endured well beyond antiquity. Concepts such as elements, atoms, chaos, and the changing nature of the cosmos exhibited longevity. These shared interests and ambitions indicate the presence of a sort of scientific community that extended across cultural, temporal, and linguistic boundaries. Even modern scientists feel a connection with their ancient predecessors, as evidenced by the works of Nobel Prize-winning physicists such as Vanuheisenberg and Erwin Schrodinger. Despite the fragmentary nature of surviving ancient texts on nature, references and discussions by later thinkers demonstrate the importance and influence of these early Greek thinkers. Many questions posed by the ancients are still being explored today.
Understanding Ancient Science
Rather than labeling individuals from antiquity as 'scientists', it may be more useful to view them as having scientific or mathematical interests. Examining ancient scientific works and visual evidence provides a deeper understanding of the broader context in which science was produced. Science and mathematics were deeply embedded in the broader culture and graphic learning of antiquity. By studying ancient texts, we gain insights into who was engaged in science, who was interested, and how it related to other aspects of their lives. Engaging with ancient sources allows us to appreciate the historical significance of science and its connection to ancient cultures.
In the last episode of Season 7, Liba Taub introduces the science of ancient Greece and Rome and details the link between poetry, philosophy, and science.
Liba Taub is Professor of History and Philosophy of Science, in the Department of the History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge, and Director and Curator of the Whipple Museum of the History of Science.