
The Scientific Odyssey
An examination of scientific inquiry through a discussion of the history and philosophy of the scientific endeavor.
Latest episodes

Jan 4, 2015 • 29min
Episode 2.6.1: Supplemental-John Dalton and the Renaissance of the Atom
This episode discusses the life and contributions of John Dalton with particular focus on his development of the Billard Ball model of the atom.

Dec 28, 2014 • 23min
Episode 2.6: The Chemical Atom
Chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul reflects on his 100th birthday, discussing historical events, the evolution of chemistry, Dalton's atomic theory, revolutionary contributions in chemistry, and the importance of education and reason in science.

Dec 25, 2014 • 29min
Episode 2.5.1: Supplemental-We Three Chemists of the Enlightenment Are
A discussion of Carl Scheele, Joseph Priestly, Antoine Lavoisier and the discovery of oxygen.

Dec 22, 2014 • 39min
Episode 2.5: The First Chemical Revolution
Explore the transition of alchemical investigations to systematic scientific inquiry, the challenges of understanding the elusive Flogeston, and the discovery of a new gas through experimental observations. Learn about the pioneering work in pneumatic chemistry, including the discoveries of various gases and the establishment of the conservation of mass by Lavoisier.

Dec 14, 2014 • 30min
Episode 2.4: The Corpuscular Atom
Explore the Renaissance era intellectual pursuits and challenges, from the evolution of atomism theories to the contributions of scientists like Robert Boyle. Contrast Newton's corpuscular atoms with Leibniz's monads, and discover Boscovich's punctual atoms as a synthesis of their ideas.

Dec 11, 2014 • 20min
Episode 2.3.1: Supplemental-Jabir ibn Hayyan and the Foundations of Arabic Chemistry
Explore the life and contributions of Jibir Ben Hayan in chemistry and alchemy. Learn about the historical shift from alchemy to chemistry and Jibir's pioneering work. Discover controversies and debates surrounding Jibir's extensive works and his significant contributions to Arabic chemistry.

Dec 8, 2014 • 29min
Episode 2.3: The Long Leap Forward
Exploring atomism's revival after 1500 years, Roman to Arab intellectual advancements, Allah's role in atomistic theory, Maimonides and Avarroes critiques, impact of Black Death on new ideas and technologies

Nov 30, 2014 • 32min
Episode 2.2: The Athenian Response
Explore the responses to Democritus' atomism by Plato, Aristotle, and Epicurus. Discover the contrasting views on atomism, metaphysical theories, and objections to the void. Dive into the evolution of atomism over time and the role of elements and qualities in transformations of matter.

Nov 23, 2014 • 27min
Episode 2.1: The Philosophical Atom
This podcast introduces a new series on the history of the atom and begins the discussion with the ideas of the earliest Greek philosophers beginning with Thales and culminating with the atomism of Democritus.

Nov 16, 2014 • 35min
Episode 1.5: Misconceptions About Scientific Inquiry
Explore the misconceptions surrounding scientific inquiry, including the role of creativity, ethics in scientific research, debunking the Mr. Spock fallacy, and biases in scientific inquiry through the lens of atomic theory development.