Physical Science in the Middle Ages -A Volume in the Wiley History of Science Series

Grant, Edward

ISBN 10: 0471322555 / ISBN 13: 9780471322559

Published by John Wiley & Sons - A Wiley Interscience Publication, New York, 1971

About this Item

128 Pages Indexed. Covers show some light edge and spine area wear.Owner's last name on front endpaper. No other marks or stamps. Interior text is flawless. The author begins by describing the feeble state of early medieval science (500-1000 A.D.) and its gradual revitalization during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, as evidenced by the explosion of knowledge represented by extensive translations of Greek and Arabic treatises. Problems and controversies associated with Aristotelian physical science, which dominated medieval scientific thought, are extensively examined. In conclusion, Professor Grant presents a new interpretation of the medieval failure to abandon the physics and cosmology of Aristotle. He explains why, despite serious criticisms of Aristotelian science, it was not generally repudiated during the few centuries of the late middle ages. Contents in Six Chapters: The State of Science from 500 AD to 1000 AD. The Beginning of the Beginning and the Age of Translaton 100 to 1200 AD, The Medieval University and the impact of Aristoelian Thought, The physics of Mtion, Earth Heavens and Beyond, Conclusiong, and a Bibliographical Essay.

Seller Inventory # 13406

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Physical Science in the Middle Ages -A Volume in the Wiley History of Science Series
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons - A Wiley Interscience Publication, New York
• Publication Date: 1971
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0471322555
• ISBN 13: 9780471322559
• Binding: Trade Paperback
• Edition: Third Printing
• Condition: Very Good

About this title

Synopsis

This concise introduction to the history of physical science in the Middle Ages begins with a description of the feeble state of early medieval science and its revitalization during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, as evidenced by the explosion of knowledge represented by extensive translations of Greek and Arabic treatises. The content and concepts that came to govern science from the late twelfth century onwards were powerfully shaped and dominated by the science and philosophy of Aristotle. It is, therefore, by focussing attention on problems and controversies associated with Aristotelian science that the reader is introduced to the significant scientific developments and interpretations formulated in the later Middle Ages. The concluding chapter presents a new interpretation of the medieval failure to abandon the physics and cosmology of Aristotle and explains why, despite serious criticisms, they were not generally repudiated during this period. As detailed critical bibliography completes the work.

About the Author

Edward Grant is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the History and Philosophy of Science at Indiana University, Bloomington. He is the author and editor of twelve books, including God and Reason in the Middle Ages (Cambridge, 2001), and The Foundations of Modern Science in the Middle Ages: Their Religious, Institutional and Intellectual Contexts (Cambridge, 1996). He is also the author of approximately ninety articles on the history of science and natural philosophy. He was Vice-President and President of the History of Science Society and was awarded the prestigious George Sarton Medal of that society.