Product Description

This work contains Steven Shapin's historical exploration into the origins of the modern scientific worldview. What historians have traditionally called the Scientific Revolution was, in Shapin's view, a diversity of practices and ideas that developed over the course of nearly two centuries. Rejecting the idea that there is anything like an "essence" of early modern science, the author shows that the Scientific Revolution in reality lacked the jarring abruptness and cataclysmic nature implied by its "revolutionary" name.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #173197 in Books
• Published on: 1998-03-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 232 pages

Customer Reviews

Good coverage of topics
It covers the material between Galileo and Newton with an interesting perspective. The first thing that you read in a book entitled the scientific revolution is that there was no such thing. This leads to an interesting view point throughout the book.
The main theme running through it is that of astronomy, but this mirrors the accepted opinion on the science dominating this period.
I found especially useful the chapters on change within academic institutions very useful.
I currently study History of Science at Cambridge university. I bought this book because it was on our reading list, and it was worth it. It was recomended for a general overview of a topic we would look at in depth. It provided much useful information for essay topics on Galileo, Kepler, Newton, and the Paris academy of science.
However I would not only encourage students of the subject to read this. It is writen in a easy style, and as long as you have some interest in the subject you will find it rewarding.

Classic study
This is a classic study of a crucial period in the development of modern science.