Title
The Copernican Revolution: Planetary Astronomy in the Development of Western Thought,Used
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For scientist and layman alike this book provides vivid evidence that the Copernican Revolution has by no means lost its significance today. Few episodes in the development of scientific theory show so clearly how the solution to a highly technical problem can alter our basic thought processes and attitudes. Understanding the processes which underlay the Revolution gives us a perspective, in this scientific age, from which to evaluate our own beliefs more intelligently. With a constant keen awareness of the inseparable mixture of its technical, philosophical, and humanistic elements, Mr. Kuhn displays the full scope of the Copernican Revolution as simultaneously an episode in the internal development of astronomy, a critical turning point in the evolution of scientific thought, and a crisis in Western man's concept of his relation to the universe and to God.The book begins with a description of the first scientific cosmology developed by the Greeks. Mr. Kuhn thus prepares the way for a continuing analysis of the relation between theory and observation and belief. He describes the many functionsastronomical, scientific, and nonscientificof the Greek concept of the universe, concentrating especially on the religious implications. He then treats the intellectual, social, and economic developments which nurtured Copernicus' break with traditional astronomy. Although many of these developments, including scholastic criticism of Aristotle's theory of motion and the Renaissance revival of Neoplatonism, lie entirely outside of astronomy, they increased the flexibility of the astronomer's imagination. That new flexibility is apparent in the work of Copernicus, whose DE REVOLUTIONIBUS ORBIUM CAELESTIUM is discussed in detail both for its own significance and as a representative scientific innovation.With a final analysis of Copernicus' life workits reception and its contribution to a new scientific concept of the universeMr. Kuhn illuminates both the researches that finally made the heliocentric arrangement work, and the achievements in physics and metaphysics that made the planetary earth an integral part of Newtonian science. These are the developments that once again provided man with a coherent and selfconsistent conception of the universe and of his own place in it.This is a book for any reader interested in the evolution of ideas and, in particular, in the curious interplay of hypothesis and experiment which is the essence of modern science. Says James Bryant Conant in his Foreword: 'Professor Kuhn's handling of the subject merits attention, for... he points the way to the road which must be followed if science is to be assimilated into the culture of our times.'
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'The Copernican Revolution'? A: The main theme of 'The Copernican Revolution' is the profound impact of the Copernican model of the universe on scientific thought and its philosophical implications, highlighting how this shift influenced humanity's understanding of its place in the universe.
- Q: Who is the author of the book and what is their background? A: The author of the book is Thomas S. Kuhn, a renowned philosopher of science known for his work on the history of scientific ideas and paradigms, particularly his influential book 'The Structure of Scientific Revolutions'.
- Q: What type of readers would benefit from this book? A: This book is beneficial for both scientists and lay readers interested in the historical evolution of scientific theories, particularly those curious about the interplay between hypothesis, observation, and belief.
- Q: How does the book address the relationship between theory and observation? A: The book meticulously analyzes the relationship between theory and observation by examining historical scientific cosmologies and how they shaped the understanding of the universe during the Copernican Revolution.
- Q: What are some key topics discussed in the book? A: Key topics include the Greek scientific cosmology, Copernicus' break with traditional astronomy, the Renaissance influences, and the eventual acceptance of the heliocentric model within the context of scientific thought evolution.
- Q: Is the book suitable for someone without a scientific background? A: Yes, the book is written in a way that is accessible to readers without a scientific background, providing insights into complex ideas without requiring specialized knowledge.
- Q: What is the binding type of the book? A: The book is available in a paperback binding, making it convenient for reading and handling.
- Q: When was 'The Copernican Revolution' published? A: The book was published on January 1, 1992.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains a total of 318 pages.
- Q: What insights does the book provide about the Copernican model? A: The book offers insights into how the Copernican model not only revolutionized astronomy but also challenged and reshaped philosophical and theological perspectives in Western thought.