Past Present Future The History of Revolutionary Ideas: The Scientific Revolution
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Feb 9, 2025 In a fascinating discussion, historian Simon Schaffer dives into the complexities of the Scientific Revolution. He examines whether it truly revolutionized ideas or just practices, and how it shifted paradigms of authority. Schaffer highlights the role of figures like Galileo and Newton while unpacking the concept of the 'Republic of Letters' and its impact on knowledge sharing. He also addresses the linguistic challenges of communicating scientific ideas, arguing for the need for a universal language like mathematics.
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Public Perception of Scientific Revolution
- The term "scientific revolution" is more prevalent in public discourse than among specialists.
- This raises questions about the nature of the revolution and its impact on modern society.
Emergence of the Term
- The term gained popularity in the early-mid 20th century, coinciding with WWI and WWII.
- Historians of science adopted and defined the concept, emphasizing its intellectual impact.
Experiencing the Revolution
- The scientific revolution narrative assumes a dramatic shift, but those who lived through it didn't necessarily experience it that way.
- Historians often focused on the intellectual elite, neglecting broader cultural contexts.
