Cosmology in the Early Modern Age: A Web of Ideas

This book explores the history and epistemology of early modern cosmology, reconstructing the development of cosmological ideas from Copernicus to Leibniz. It investigates how scientific and philosophical concepts were intertwined to frame a general picture of the universe and interpret scientific notions and observational data. The authors present and analyze the cosmological views of each scientist and philosopher, highlighting the philosophical and epistemological implications of their works. It is a valuable resource for historians, philosophers, scientists, and post-graduate students in epistemology, history of science, and history of philosophy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 328 pages
Publication date: 06 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive volume delves into the rich tapestry of early modern cosmology, exploring its historical roots and epistemological foundations. The authors embark on a meticulous reconstruction of the evolution of cosmological ideas during the era of the 'scientific revolution, from the pioneering works of Copernicus to the profound insights of Leibniz. By carefully considering the growth of unified celestial-and-terrestrial mechanics, they shed light on the intricate interplay between scientific notions and philosophical concepts that shaped the understanding of the universe.

The volume embarks on a captivating journey, unveiling the profound and multifaceted interrelationships that permeated the realm of cosmology. It delves into the ways in which scientific ideas, originating from diverse fields such as mechanics, mathematics, geometry, and astronomy, converged to form a comprehensive picture of the cosmos. These intellectual frameworks were employed not only to describe the world but also to critically evaluate and interpret scientific notions and observational data.

Within this interdisciplinary framework, the authors present a historical-epistemological unified itinerary, encompassing the contributions of Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, Descartes, Huygens, Newton, and Leibniz. For each of these influential figures, a comprehensive presentation and commentary are provided, outlining their cosmological views and highlighting the key physical concepts that underpinned their theories. Furthermore, the authors delve into the philosophical and epistemological implications of their scientific works, shedding light on the broader philosophical questions that emerged from their observations and theories.

This work serves as a valuable resource for historians, philosophers, and scientists alike. It offers a synthetic overview of early modern cosmology, providing a comprehensive understanding of the key developments and thinkers that shaped this era. At the same time, it serves as an analytical exposition of the intricate elements that intertwined in early-modern cosmology, offering insights into the complex interplay between science, philosophy, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Furthermore, this book is an invaluable resource for post-graduate students in the fields of epistemology, history of science, and history of philosophy. It provides a rich tapestry of ideas and perspectives that can deepen their understanding of the historical and philosophical dimensions of cosmology, fostering a deeper appreciation of the complex and fascinating field.

In conclusion, this volume is a testament to the enduring legacy of early modern cosmology, offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of its historical roots and epistemological foundations. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students alike, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex and fascinating world we inhabit.

Weight: 694g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031121944
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022