The Complete History of Science

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The Apogee of Islamic Astronomy Mar 05, 2024

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In the late medieval period, while Europe obsessed over Aristotle's natural philosophy, the Islamic world entered the zenith of astronomical discoveries. In this episode, we explore the remarkable contributions of two great astronomers, al-Tusi and al-Shatir. Amidst the dominance of Ptolemaic astronomy, they embarked on a mission to unravel its lingering problems.

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Roger Bacon Dec 22, 2023

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In this episode we delve into the life and legacy of the enigmatic Roger Bacon. Once considered a magician with fantastical abilities, Bacon's reputation transformed over the centuries, oscillating between mystical figure and scientific pioneer. Born in 1220, Bacon's journey through Oxford, Paris, and his unexpected entry into the Franciscan order unfolds against the backdrop of a changing Europe. Join us as we explore Bacon's intricate blend of philosophy, optics, and experimental science, shedding light on his revolutionary contributions to the pursuit of knowledge.

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Medieval Mechanics Oct 25, 2023

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Perhaps the greatest orginal contribution to science in the medieval period was initiated at Merton College Oxford. A group of scholars worked to mathematise nature and prove new theorems decribing motion. Meanwhile in Paris, another scholar was working on a theory which undermined Aristotle's theories of motion and paved the way for Newtonian Mechanics.

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The University Oct 24, 2023

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In the later medieval period, Europe's bustling new cities developed a new type of institution, The University. In this episode we explore the early university and in particular its relationship with Aristotle's natural philosophy, which would form the core of the curriculum.

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Translatio Studii et Imperii Jul 21, 2023

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In the 12th century a young man set out in search of a book. The Almagest, the great work of astronomy had disappeared from western Europe and had long ceased to be read. The young man, Gerard, eventually found the work in Toledo, Spain and translated it into Latin. This story however, is only part of a Europe wide movement, whereby many of the great Greek works would finally become available.

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The Poverty of the Latins Jul 19, 2023

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Scientific thought was rejuvenated in the 10th century as the Christians in the north came into contact with Islamic culture in Iberia. Gerbert, a monk from Aurillac in Southern France played a key role in this process, introducing to Europe many innovations, such as the abacus, the armillary sphere and new mathematics. In doing so he revitalised teaching, particularly of the quadrivium and demonstrated to the Latins the advanced knowledge of the Greeks and Arabs.

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On the Nature of Things Jul 14, 2023

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After the collapse of the Roman Empire, western Europe fractured into many small petty states. A period of economic contraction coincided with a decline in learning and during the early medieval age Europe entered a nadir. However, the church kept some form of ancient scientific thought alive and figures such as Isidore of Seville and the Venerable Bede worked to preserve this knowledge.

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The Scientist and The Philosopher Mar 26, 2023

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In the late 10th, early 11th century two great men debated the causes of natural phenomena. One of them was the greatest philosopher of the age, Ibn Sina, who had refined Aristotle's philosophy into a finely honed system. The other, al-Biruni, was perhaps the greatest polymath of the age, who invented new fields of study and whose devotion to observation was unparalleled. In a series of letters the two men clashed over large cosmological questions and everyday phenomena and their exchange stands as one the most important intellectual debates of the age.

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Islamic Developments in Optics Mar 25, 2023

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While al-Haytham's visual theory was a clear triumph, his work also had a more subtle but profound effect. His treatment of light as a quanitity which was related to but independent of vision was an important step on the path to our modern understanding of optics. In this episode we explore the other parts of his 'Book of Optics' as well as the achievement of his forgotten contemporary Ibn Sahl.

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Islamic Developments in Medicine Mar 24, 2023

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Tracing the emergence of medicine in the Islamic world and its embrace of Galen, this week's episode explores the progress made in treatments and anatomy by Islamic scientists.

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