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A New Perspective on the Scientific Revolution

Adrien Blair

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Published in The Invention Of Science: A New History Of The Scientific Revolution

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The Scientific Revolution, a pivotal period in human history, witnessed a transformation in our understanding of the natural world. Scientific breakthroughs in astronomy, physics, and biology laid the foundation for modern science and technology. Traditionally, historians have portrayed this period as a triumph of rationality over superstition, with the rise of scientific method and the decline of religious influence. However, a new historiographical approach, known as the "New History of the Scientific Revolution," offers a more nuanced and complex interpretation of this transformative era.

The Roots of the New History of the Scientific Revolution

The New History of the Scientific Revolution emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as a reaction to the traditional "internalist" approach to the history of science. Internalist historians focused primarily on the intellectual development of scientific ideas and theories, neglecting the social, cultural, and political context in which science was practiced.

The Invention of Science: A New History of the Scientific Revolution

by David Wootton

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	909 pages

In contrast, the New Historians emphasized the social construction of scientific knowledge. They argued that science is not a purely objective enterprise but is shaped by the values, beliefs, and social practices of the time. By examining the social and cultural dimensions of science, the New Historians sought to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Scientific Revolution.

Key Features of the New History of the Scientific Revolution

The New History of the Scientific Revolution is characterized by several key features:

Focus on social and cultural context: New Historians examine the social, cultural, and political factors that influenced the development of scientific ideas and practices.
Emphasis on the role of non-elites: Traditional histories of science often focused on the contributions of great scientific figures. In contrast, the New Historians recognize the role played by ordinary people, artisans, and craftsmen in the scientific process.
Integration of science with other fields: The New History of the Scientific Revolution seeks to connect the history of science with other disciplines, such as social history, cultural history, and political history.
Emphasis on contingency: New Historians argue that the Scientific Revolution was not an inevitable or predetermined event. Instead, it was a contingent process shaped by a complex interplay of factors.

Steven Shapin and Simon Schaffer: Pioneers of the New History

Two prominent figures associated with the New History of the Scientific Revolution are Steven Shapin and Simon Schaffer. In their seminal work, "Leviathan and the Air-Pump," Shapin and Schaffer examined the controversy surrounding the air-pump, a scientific instrument that challenged traditional Aristotelian theories about the vacuum. By analyzing the social and cultural dimensions of the controversy, Shapin and Schaffer demonstrated how scientific knowledge is shaped by social practices and interactions.

Shapin and Schaffer's work has been highly influential in shaping the New History of the Scientific Revolution. Their emphasis on the social construction of scientific knowledge has challenged traditional interpretations of the Scientific Revolution and opened up new avenues of inquiry.

The Legacy of the New History of the Scientific Revolution

The New History of the Scientific Revolution has had a profound impact on the field of history of science. It has led to a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and political forces that have shaped the development of scientific knowledge. Moreover, the New History has provided a more inclusive and nuanced account of the Scientific Revolution, recognizing the contributions of a wider range of individuals and groups.

The insights gained from the New History of the Scientific Revolution continue to inform our understanding of science and its relationship to society. By examining the social and cultural dimensions of scientific knowledge, historians have gained a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of one of the most transformative periods in human history.

The New History of the Scientific Revolution has revolutionized our understanding of the Scientific Revolution. By shifting the focus from internal intellectual developments to the social, cultural, and political context, the New Historians have provided a more comprehensive and inclusive account of this transformative era. Their work has challenged traditional narratives and opened up new avenues of inquiry, enriching our appreciation of the complex relationship between science and society.

The Invention of Science: A New History of the Scientific Revolution

by David Wootton

4.3 out of 5