OVERVIEW

The module is an introduction to the main themes of the history of science, with particular focus on the main traits of modern science as they emerge in the period of the (so called) Scientific Revolution (ca. 1450-1700). Following an interdisciplinary path, the module deals with the main issues of modern science, of its methods, limitations and of its social organization.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to provide basic knowledge of 

• the cultural import of the history of scientific thought, both diachronically and synchronically. 
• the wide field of enquiry of modern science, considering the historical development of the different branches of sciences, as well as their theoretical, methodological, and epistemological background.
• the history of scientific thought from Antiquity to modern days
• scientific terminology and methodologies for the study of scientific texts
• competences in the communication of scientific information

PREREQUISITES

None. The course does not require any previous knowledge of the discipline

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching will take place face-to-face, and include lectures and student-led seminars. Students may request to attend classes online (live streaming via Teams) at the beginning of the module. Please contact the module coordinator for further particulars about online attendance. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Main themes and issues: 

- Science, technology and society.

- Science, history and the historiography of science

- Places and styles of modern science

- Man and nature in the Renaissance and the early modern period. 

- The systems of the universe: astronomy and cosmology

- The history of scientific observation and experimental philosophy.

- Medicine, epidemics and society. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Required reading: 

1. P. Govoni, Che cos'è la storia della scienza, Roma, Carocci.

2. A. Clericuzio, La macchina del mondo. Teorie e pratiche scientifiche dal Rinascimento a Newton, Roma, Carocci.

3. P. Rossi (a cura di), La rivoluzione scientifica da Copernico a Newton, prefazione e aggiornamento bibliografico di R. Bondì e M. Rossi Monti, Pisa, ETS. [Parte II, testo 3 (pp. 64-67); [Please note that students are required to read the following sections: Parte III, testi 2 e 3 (pp. 78-81); Parte IV, testi 1, 2, (pp. 92-97); Parte V, testi 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16 (pp. 127-136, 140-146); Parte VI, testi 2, 4, 5 (pp. 152-153, 156-161); Parte VII, testi 1, 2 (pp. 169-174); Parte VIII, testi 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 (pp. 188-189, 193-205); Parte IX, testi 3, 5, 6 (pp. 226-229, 231-235); Parte X, testi 1, 2, 4 (pp. 241-249, 251-252. Reading the Introduction to each of the above sections is not required but advisable]

In addition, students are required to read one of the following books (the first three of them are also available in English): 

- M. Bucciantini, M. Camerota, F. Giudice, Il telescopio di Galileo. Una storia europea, Torino, Einaudi.

- F. M. Snowden, Storia delle epidemie. Dalla morte nera al covid-19, Gorizia, LEG Edizioni.

- A. Wulf, L'invenzione della natura. Le avventure di Alexander von Humbodt l'eroe perduto della scienza, Roma, Luiss University Press.

- Franco Brevini, L'invenzione della natura selvaggia. Storia di un'idea dal XVIII secolo a oggi, Torino, Bollati Boringhieri. 

[Students can replace the examination of one of the above texts with a group presentation]

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

DARIO TESSICINI (President)

DAVIDE ARECCO

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes begin 15th February 2023. The timetable will be available on Easyacademy

EXAMS

Exam schedule