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Medieval and Early Modern Science and Philosophy
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:21:54
Abstract
The course examines several aspects of the interconnections between science and philosophy from the Middle Ages to the early modern times.
Objective
The course aims are: - to introduce students to the history of science; - to introduce students to the philosophical dimension of science; - to develop a critical understanding of scientific notions; - to acquire skills in order to analyse and comment on primary and secondary sources.
Content
The course is focused on the investigation of scientific thought between 1000 and 1700, that is to say the period that saw the flourishing of natural philosophy, and the birth of the modern scientific method. Several case-studies, taken from different scientific fields (especially mathematics, astronomy, and experimental sciences) are presented in class in order to study the interconnections between science and philosophy, as well as the shift from the medieval to the early modern world.
Resources
Literature
(main reference) Rossi, Paolo, The birth of Modern science, Oxford : Blackwek Publishers, 2001
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DS , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | Medieval and Early Modern Science and Philosophy |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Science in Perspective (In “Science in Perspective”-courses students learn to reflect on ETH’s STEM subjects from the perspective of humanities, political and social sciences. Only the courses listed below will be recognized as "Science in Perspective" courses.)
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Type A: Enhancement of Reflection Competence (SiP courses are recommended for bachelor students after their first-year examination and for all master- or doctoral students. All SiP courses are listed in Type A. Courses listed under Type B are only recommendations for enrollment for specific departments.)
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Type B: Reflection About Subject-Specific Methods and Contents (Subject-specific courses. Particularly relevant for students interested in those subjects. All these courses are also listed under the category “Typ A”, and every student can enroll in these courses.)
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Doctorate Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (More Information at: )