History Extra podcast Medieval science: everything you wanted to know
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Oct 26, 2024 Join Seb Falk, a historian and expert in medieval science, alongside historian Emily Briffett as they unravel the complexities of medieval scientific thought. They challenge the myth that the Church was anti-science, revealing fascinating stories like a monk's daring leap for experimentation. Discover the ingenious inventions of the era, the lasting influence of ancient philosophers, and the pivotal role of alchemy and astronomy. Dive into the remarkable impact of the astrolabe and the vibrant collaboration that fueled scientific inquiry amidst the backdrop of religious belief.
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Middle Ages: Not A Scientific Dark Age
- The Middle Ages were not a dark age scientifically; they spanned 1000 years with periods of great innovation and cultural exchange.
- Innovation ebbed and flowed naturally, and dismissing an entire millennium as backward is nonsensical.
Medieval Church Supported Science
- The medieval church largely supported learning and scientific study as both practical and a way to understand God's creation.
- Conflicts arose from turf wars or contradictions with scripture, but these were rare exceptions.
Aristotle and Islamic Influence
- Aristotle was the central intellectual authority in medieval science, called simply "the philosopher."
- Islamic scholars like Avicenna also heavily influenced medieval scientific thought.