History of science: Difference between revisions
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''This needs to be encorporated with [[History of science and technology]].'' |
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=== History of Science === |
=== History of Science === |
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Revision as of 21:47, 8 January 2002
This needs to be encorporated with History of science and technology.
History of Science
Throughout history, men have tried to understand their world. Sayings such as, "Water runs downhill" are attempts to formulate rules that describe the workings of nature.
From the philosophers of ancient times to the 21st century, science has advanced in fits and starts, bringing mankind an ever-more comprehensive view of the world.
A minor but persistent theme in the history of science has been the poor reception often given to men who espouse ideas contrary to the prevailing orthodoxy. The story of Galileo is a case in point. Other natural philosophers and astronomers, especially in Italy, were loathe to "check" their theories by looking through the newly-invented telescope.
Even in modern times, with the near-univeral acceptance of the scientific method and huge research budgets from government, academia and industry, unpopular or offensive ideas are often given short shrift.
Be that as it may, after a lapse of time even the most unpopular idea can become the new orthodoxy, if proven satisfactorily. The germ theory of disease has become so prevalent that pasteurization and Listerine are household words, even if Louis Pasteur and Joseph Lister are no longer remembered.