God's Philosophers: How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science - Book by James Hannam

Name: God's Philosophers: How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science
Author: James Hannam

In the early Middle Ages, monasteries preserved the knowledge of antiquity before the first universities were founded in Europe in the twelfth century. Unlike earlier academies, these were not tied to a wealthy or influential individual who acted as a sponsor. The new universities were institutions that could continue to exist independently of individuals. In this respect, the medieval universities were the first predecessors of modern corporations. They taught law, medicine, and above all theology. Europe benefited in the Middle Ages from religious unity and political fragmentation. Scholars enjoyed a great deal of freedom because, in the event of disputes or contrary opinions, they could seek protection from the Church or a secular ruler, depending on who threatened them. Natural philosophers needed protection and funding from the Church or a prince, whereas today scientists depend on governments or corporations. When the Bible contradicted common sense, medieval thinkers often interpreted it figuratively rather than literally. The arguments of modern atheists about the non-existence of God were well known to medieval scholars. If some of their theses seem strange to us today, it is because, from their contemporary perspective, with the means at their disposal and their state of knowledge, they made perfect sense. Susan Haack compares science to solving a puzzle or crossword puzzle. Scientific discoveries gradually reveal a clearer picture of reality and then enable further discoveries. The neighboring possible knowledge cannot simply fall from the sky. Urgently needed theories or tools must already be in place to build on. Empirical observations alone do not get us anywhere until they can be integrated into a valid theory. The importance of a theoretical framework is illustrated by the fact that empirical practice in ancient and medieval medicine made no progress and led to treatment methods that cost many people their lives. The view of things is always shaped by a contemporary understanding. Natural philosophers were simultaneously magicians or alchemists until magic was no longer plausible. The change in perspective was due to the growing body of knowledge. People remained very religious. The insights that founded modern science were produced by natural philosophers whose thirst for knowledge stemmed from their belief in God. As institutions and knowledge developed, a new kind of researcher emerged in the 19th century, called a scientist (Galileo Galilei or Isaac Newton do not belong to this category). He separated the metaphysical from the exploration of nature.

Historical Paths

Amazon

Books inspired by God's Philosophers: How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science

You are an author and were inspired by God's Philosophers: How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science? Then promote your book on lindybook.com to appear on this list. Click here for more information.