136-038 The Scientific Revolution

Usually 75 points of first year study across any discipline areas.

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'. Students will 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; and the acceptance of a science that was self-confessedly tentative and hypothetical. Throughout the subject, the complexity of the processes governing the acceptance of a philosophy of nature is emphasized and discussion is placed into its broader contexts with religious and political connections repeatedly perused. Students who successfully complete this subject will be capable of displaying an improved understanding of the above issues.

Written work totalling 2000 words, and a 2-hour examination. Exemption from the examination may be granted on the basis of a class presentation and two class tests.

A subject reader will be available.

• Descartes, D Cress (trans), Meditations on first philosophy. Hackett.
• J Henry, The Scientific Revolution and the Origins of Modern Science. Macmillan.