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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INSIGHT

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.

INSIGHT

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.

INSIGHT

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.

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New Atlantis

Francis Bacon

Written around 1623 and published posthumously in 1627, 'New Atlantis' is a philosophical and utopian work by Francis Bacon. The story follows a group of sailors who discover the mysterious island of Bensalem, where they encounter a society governed by a democratically elected parliament and guided by the principles of Salomon’s House, an institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and the study of nature. The novel emphasizes the integration of science and ethics in governance and highlights Bacon’s vision of a society where knowledge and reason are central to human progress and happiness[1][2][5].

Gulliver's travels

Jonathan Swift

Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" is a satirical masterpiece that uses fantastical journeys to critique human nature and societal flaws. Gulliver's encounters with Lilliputians, Brobdingnagians, and other fantastical creatures serve as allegories for political and social issues of Swift's time. The novel's sharp wit and biting satire continue to resonate with readers today, offering a timeless commentary on human folly and the complexities of power. Gulliver's experiences highlight the absurdity of human conflict and the importance of reason and moderation. The book's enduring popularity stems from its ability to entertain while simultaneously provoking thought and challenging readers' assumptions.

LEVIATHAN

Thomas Hobbes

Published in 1651, 'Leviathan' by Thomas Hobbes is a comprehensive treatise on political philosophy. The book is divided into four main parts: 'Of Man,' 'Of Commonwealth,' 'Of a Christian Commonwealth,' and 'Of the Kingdom of Darkness.' Hobbes argues that the natural state of humans is one of conflict and anarchy, and that the best way to achieve peace and security is through the establishment of a commonwealth governed by an absolute sovereign. This sovereign, which Hobbes terms the 'Leviathan,' has supreme authority over all aspects of governance, including law, religion, and public offices. Hobbes' work is a foundational text in social contract theory and continues to influence political thought to this day.

The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy

Isaac Newton

Published in 1687, this book is a seminal work in the history of science. It lays out Newton's three laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation, which revolutionized the understanding of physics and astronomy. The book is divided into three volumes and includes Newton's mathematical methods, particularly in the form of geometric propositions, to explain natural phenomena such as planetary motion and the behavior of comets. It also introduces the 'Rules of Reasoning in Philosophy' which provide a methodology for scientific inquiry[1][2][5].