Patricia Fara

In this engaging discussion, historian Patricia Fara, a Fellow of Cambridge University, dives into the life of Sir Isaac Newton, a figure clouded in controversy and brilliance. She unpacks the legendary apple anecdote and its resonance with Newton's theories of gravity. Fara also illuminates the significant rivalries that shaped his career, including tensions with contemporaries like Hooke and Leibniz. Plus, explore Newton's unexpected shift from mathematician to key player at the Royal Mint, where he tackled counterfeiting while navigating personal struggles.

Patricia Fara, a Senior Tutor at Clare College, specializes in the history of science; Stephen Pumfrey studies Baconian science as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Lancaster; and Rhodri Lewis, a Fellow at St Hughes College, provides literary insights. They delve into Francis Bacon's dual legacy as a lawyer and philosopher, exploring his revolutionary Baconian Method and its ongoing influence. Discussions highlight the collaborative ideals of Solomon's House and Bacon's integral role in shaping empirical science, all while critiquing the elitism in modern scientific practices.

Patricia Fara, an expert in the history of science, discusses the life of Marie Curie. Topics include her groundbreaking work with radium chloride, the stereotypes associated with her, her contributions to understanding the nucleus of an atom, the health hazards of radiation, and her significant discoveries of polonium and radium.

Patricia Fara, a Cambridge University historian of science, delves into the life of Isaac Newton beyond the apple tree myth, highlighting his role at The Royal Mint and productivity during the Great Plague. She examines the gradual nature of the Scientific Revolution and the ancient Antikythera device's significance. Fara also discusses the vital contributions of women in science, shares insights from her startup experience, and argues for integrated education that blends art with science to enhance learning.

Join distinguished guests Patricia Fara, a historian of science, David Wootton, a historical insights expert, and Judith Zinsser, biographer of Emilie du Châtelet, as they illuminate the life of this groundbreaking 18th-century mathematician and philosopher. They delve into her remarkable translation of Newton's Principia, her dynamic relationship with Voltaire, and her fierce struggle for intellectual recognition in a male-dominated society. The conversation sheds light on her innovative ideas and influential role in shaping the Enlightenment discourse.