136-038 The Scientific Revolution

Formerly available as 136-224/324. Students who have completed 136-224/324 The Scientific Revolution are not eligible to enrol in this subject. For science third year, see 136-338 The Scientific Revolution (Science 3).

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 emphasised 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.

• develop skills in written and oral communication;

• be able to conduct independent research;

• make appropriate use of primary and secondary sources in mounting an argument;

• form defensible judgements based on a critical evaluation of conflicting arguments.

A 2000 word essay 25% (due just after mid-semester), two 1-hour written class tests 12.5% each (one mid-semester, one late in the semester), and a 3-hour written examination 50% (during the examination period). Students can earn exemption from the examination, on the basis of the tests and essays. Students exempt from the exam will be given a mark in which the essay is weighted at 50% and the tests at 25% each.