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

Making students understand that the history of scientific thought operates on a wide spectrum of cultural frequencies, both at the diachronic and synchronic level, and that its universe of investigation can include not only the historical development of the various "sciences", but also of both the theoretical, methodological and epistemological fields. Acquiring a solid knowledge of the history of scientific-philosophical thought from antiquity to the present day and a wide information on the current debate in the various fields of scientific research; mastering the different terminologies and methodologies relating to the analysis of problems, the methods of argumentation and the approach of texts (also in original language) and an appropriate approach to the use of bibliographical tools; possessing appropriate skills and tools for communication and information management.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims to:

• introduce the basic historical notions of the history of science.
• introduce the methods of analysis in the history of science.
• introduce the reading of key texts in the history of modern science.

At the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand the defining characteristics of modern science.
• Understand and use the technical terminology of the history of science.
• Analyze scientific texts from the early modern period.
• Apply analytical and conceptual tools specific to the history of science.
• Reflect critically on the main themes of the history of science.
• Present their own research

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

The course is organized into thematic units:

• Science, history, and scientific historiography
• Systems of the world: astronomy and cosmology
• Man and nature in the Renaissance and the early modern era
• History of scientific observation and experimental philosophy
• Science, technology, and utopia (including texts by Campanella and Bacon)
• Medicine, epidemics, and society

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bibliography:

1. Mandatory bibliography for all students:

a) P. Govoni, Che cos'è la storia della scienza, Rome, Carocci.

b) A. Clericuzio, Uomo e natura. Scienza, tecnica e società dall’antichità all’età moderna, Rome, Carocci (Parts 2, 3, 4; pp. 115-451)

2. One text of choice between:

a) Tommaso Campanella, La città del Sole (any modern edition)

b) Francesco Bacone, La nuova atlantide (any modern edition)

3. One text of choice between:

a) M. Bucciantini, M. Camerota, F. Giudice, Il telescopio di Galileo. Una storia europea, Turin, Einaudi.

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

c) A. Wulf, L'invenzione della natura. Le avventure di Alexander von Humboldt l'eroe perduto della scienza, Rome, Luiss University Press.

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

[Exemptions: Attending students will have the option to replace the oral examination of one chosen text (lists 2 and 3) with an in-class presentation.]

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

DARIO TESSICINI (President)

DAVIDE ARECCO

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes take place in the second term (mid-February til May)

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will assess the students' understanding of the content, and their ability to thinking critically and independently. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Oral exam in Italian or in English. Erasmus students only can replace the oral exam with a written essay of approximately 3,000 words. It is mandatory to agree on the topic with the teacher at least 30 days before submission. There are no formal deadlines, but marks will be registered during the exam periods only. 

Exam schedule