Science: Antiquity and its Legacy

Ancient science is a subject that commands extensive general interest. This is the first non-technical survey of the interface between ancient and modern science. It is aimed at crossover student sales in classics, the history of ideas, and the history and philosophy of science. Xenophanes' ideas about fossils informed the science of geology. Copernicus and his novel notion that the earth revolved around the sun, and not vice versa, were influenced by the Samian philosopher and mathematician, Aristarchus. And the anatomists of Alexandria still have valuable insights to bring to current ethical discussions of vivisection and animal welfare. Philippa Lang addresses the fascinating differences and similarities between ancient and modern conceptions of science, discussing the origins of the cosmos, natural laws in mathematics and physics, conceptions and philosophies of biology and disease, ideas about mechanistic science and technology, and the important nexus between science, morality, and ethics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Ancient science is a captivating subject that holds widespread general interest. This groundbreaking work is the first non-technical exploration of the interplay between ancient and modern science. Its primary audience consists of crossover students interested in the fields of classics, the history of ideas, and the history and philosophy of science.

While modern science and its technological advancements can be traced back to the seventeenth century, it is important to recognize that the bold investigative experimentation and scientific systems of thought that emerged during this era were profoundly influenced by Greek and Roman authors and ideas. Xenophanes, for instance, played a crucial role in shaping the science of geology with his innovative ideas about fossils. Similarly, the groundbreaking notion that the Earth revolves around the sun, proposed by Copernicus, can be traced back to the Samian philosopher and mathematician Aristarchus. Even today, the anatomists of Alexandria continue to offer valuable insights into contemporary ethical discussions surrounding vivisection and animal welfare.

In her comprehensive book, Philippa Lang delves into a wide range of topics, shedding fresh light on the fascinating differences and similarities between ancient and modern conceptions of science. She explores the origins of the cosmos, natural laws in mathematics and physics, conceptions and philosophies of biology and disease, ideas about mechanistic science and technology as they have been employed to control human societies, and the crucial nexus between science, morality, and ethics. Greek and Roman parallels serve as valuable tools for illuminating and clarifying the very essence of science itself.

This captivating exploration of ancient science offers a wealth of knowledge and insights, making it an essential resource for students, scholars, and anyone with an interest in the evolution of scientific thought. By examining the profound influences of Greek and Roman authors and ideas on the development of modern science, readers gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of scientific knowledge and its impact on human civilization.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350121515