In the spring semester we focus on the West-European scientific tradition, and we trace its diffusion as exemplified in the rise and demise of Newtonianism. We'll be concerned not merely with the internal development of scientific theories, but with the cultural context of scientific and technological innovation, and with the social structure and functioning of the scientific community during the past 300 years.
Questions are welcome at any time.
Weekly Worksheets . In lieu of term papers or discussion essays, which have become unmanageable as this class has grown in size, you will be given a worksheet approximately once a week, which contains one or more questions or problems for you to respond to. Due dates for worksheets are listed in the schedule below. Late worksheets will not earn any points, but as there will be 12 worksheet opportunities and only 10 will be counted toward your grade, you can miss 2 worksheets without penalty. All required reading should be completed prior to the date of its coverage in class.