In Praise of Natural Philosophy

In Praise of Natural Philosophy
Title In Praise of Natural Philosophy PDF eBook
Author Nicholas Maxwell
Publisher McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP
Pages
Release 2017-02-24
Genre Philosophy
ISBN 0773549056

Download In Praise of Natural Philosophy Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

In Praise of Natural Philosophy argues for a transformation of both science and philosophy, so that these two distinct domains of thought become one: natural philosophy. This in turn has far-reaching consequences for the whole academic enterprise. It transpires that universities need to be reorganized so that they become devoted to seeking and promoting wisdom by rational means – as opposed to just acquiring knowledge. Modern science began as natural philosophy. What today we call science and philosophy, in Newton's time formed one integrated enterprise: to improve our knowledge and understanding of the universe. Profound discoveries were made. And then natural philosophy died. It split into science and philosophy. But the two fragments are defective shadows of the glorious unified endeavour of natural philosophy. Rigour, sheer intellectual good sense, and decisive argument demand that we put the two together again, and rediscover the immense merits of the integrated enterprise of natural philosophy. This requires an intellectual revolution, with profound consequences for how we understand the universe, do both science and philosophy, and tackle global problems. A comprehensive addition to discussions about the purposes of academia, In Praise of Natural Philosophy has dramatic implications for the fate of our world.

In Praise of Natural Philosophy

In Praise of Natural Philosophy
Title In Praise of Natural Philosophy PDF eBook
Author Nicholas Maxwell
Publisher McGill-Queen's Press - MQUP
Pages
Release 2017-02-24
Genre Philosophy
ISBN 0773549048

Download In Praise of Natural Philosophy Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

In Praise of Natural Philosophy argues for a transformation of both science and philosophy, so that these two distinct domains of thought become one: natural philosophy. This in turn has far-reaching consequences for the whole academic enterprise. It transpires that universities need to be reorganized so that they become devoted to seeking and promoting wisdom by rational means – as opposed to just acquiring knowledge. Modern science began as natural philosophy. What today we call science and philosophy, in Newton's time formed one integrated enterprise: to improve our knowledge and understanding of the universe. Profound discoveries were made. And then natural philosophy died. It split into science and philosophy. But the two fragments are defective shadows of the glorious unified endeavour of natural philosophy. Rigour, sheer intellectual good sense, and decisive argument demand that we put the two together again, and rediscover the immense merits of the integrated enterprise of natural philosophy. This requires an intellectual revolution, with profound consequences for how we understand the universe, do both science and philosophy, and tackle global problems. A comprehensive addition to discussions about the purposes of academia, In Praise of Natural Philosophy has dramatic implications for the fate of our world.

Isaac Newton's Natural Philosophy

Isaac Newton's Natural Philosophy
Title Isaac Newton's Natural Philosophy PDF eBook
Author Jed Z. Buchwald
Publisher MIT Press
Pages 380
Release 2001
Genre Biography & Autobiography
ISBN 9780262524254

Download Isaac Newton's Natural Philosophy Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

Shedding new light on the intellectual context of Newton's scientific thought, this book explores the development of his mathematical philosophy, rational mechanics, and celestial dynamics. An appendix includes the last paper written by Newton biographer Richard S. Westfall.

A History of Natural Philosophy

A History of Natural Philosophy
Title A History of Natural Philosophy PDF eBook
Author Edward Grant
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Pages 376
Release 2007-01-29
Genre History
ISBN 0521869315

Download A History of Natural Philosophy Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

This book describes how natural philosophy and exact mathematical sciences joined together to make the Scientific Revolution possible.

The Nature of Natural Philosophy in the Late Middle Ages (Studies in Philosophy and the History of Philosophy, Volume 52)

The Nature of Natural Philosophy in the Late Middle Ages (Studies in Philosophy and the History of Philosophy, Volume 52)
Title The Nature of Natural Philosophy in the Late Middle Ages (Studies in Philosophy and the History of Philosophy, Volume 52) PDF eBook
Author Edward Grant
Publisher CUA Press
Pages 377
Release 2010-04-05
Genre History
ISBN 0813217385

Download The Nature of Natural Philosophy in the Late Middle Ages (Studies in Philosophy and the History of Philosophy, Volume 52) Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

In this volume, distinguished scholar Edward Grant identifies the vital elements that contributed to the creation of a widespread interest in natural philosophy, which has been characterized as the "Great Mother of the Sciences."

Camilla Erculiani, Letters on Natural Philosophy

Camilla Erculiani, Letters on Natural Philosophy
Title Camilla Erculiani, Letters on Natural Philosophy PDF eBook
Author Camilla Erculiani
Publisher Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (ACMRS)
Pages
Release 2019-12
Genre Women pharmacists
ISBN 9780866987639

Download Camilla Erculiani, Letters on Natural Philosophy Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

"English translation of letters by a woman pharmacist, a grocer's daughter and pharmacist's wife, active in the scientific milieu of Padua, in which is proposed a materialist explanation of Noah's flood that prompts an accusation of heresy. Accompanying her own letters are letters to her and a legal brief in her defense"--

In Praise of Reason

In Praise of Reason
Title In Praise of Reason PDF eBook
Author Michael P. Lynch
Publisher MIT Press
Pages 179
Release 2012-03-16
Genre Philosophy
ISBN 0262300346

Download In Praise of Reason Book in PDF, Epub and Kindle

A spirited defense of the relevance of reason for an era of popular skepticism over such matters as climate change, vaccines, and evolution. Why does reason matter, if (as many people seem to think) in the end everything comes down to blind faith or gut instinct? Why not just go with what you believe even if it contradicts the evidence? Why bother with rational explanation when name-calling, manipulation, and force are so much more effective in our current cultural and political landscape? Michael Lynch's In Praise of Reason offers a spirited defense of reason and rationality in an era of widespread skepticism—when, for example, people reject scientific evidence about such matters as evolution, climate change, and vaccines when it doesn't jibe with their beliefs and opinions. In recent years, skepticism about the practical value of reason has emerged even within the scientific academy. Many philosophers and psychologists claim that the reasons we give for our most deeply held views are often little more than rationalizations of our prior convictions. In Praise of Reason gives us a counterargument. Although skeptical questions about reason have a deep and interesting history, they can be answered. In particular, appeals to scientific principles of rationality are part of the essential common currency of any civil democratic society. The idea that everything is arbitrary—that reason has no more weight than blind faith—undermines a key principle of a civil society: that we owe our fellow citizens explanations for what we do. Reason matters—not just for the noble ideal of truth, but for the everyday world in which we live.