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136-038 The Scientific Revolution | |
Note | Formerly available as 136-224/324. Students who have completed 136-224/324 The Scientific Revolution are not eligible to enrol in this subject. Available at levels 2 and 3, except in Science (level 2 only). For Science level 3, see 136-338. |
Credit Points | 12.5 |
HECS Band | 1 |
Coordinator | Dr Keith Hutchison |
Prerequisites | Normally 75 points of level 1 study. |
Semester | 1 (view timetable) |
Contact | Between 10 and 12 weekly tutorials and between 20 and 24 lectures, normally two per week |
Subject Description | This subject surveys a constellation of important changes in the thinking of educated people in 17th century Europe - a group of changes commonly referred to as 'The Scientific Revolution'. We examine: the official philosophy of the Middle Ages, scholasticism, and its notion that material objects were innately active; the appeal of alternative 17th century views of the matter as utterly passive; Descartes' mechanical philosophy; the Newtonian retreat from extreme mechanism; the impact of sceptical attacks on the reliability of human reason; the acceptance of a science that was self-confessedly tentative and hypothetical. Students will explore the complexity of the processes governing the acceptance of a philosophy of nature, placing the discussion in its broader contexts through the examination of religious and political connections. |
Assessment | Written work totalling 2000 words, and a 2-hour examination. Exemption from the examination may be granted on the basis of further written work and/or a class test. |
Prescribed Texts | A subject reader will be available.
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Search : Index : Faculty of Arts : History and Philosophy of Science
Prev 136-037 Issues in the Modern Life Sciences
Next 136-039 Medicine and Society
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