Expanding horizons in the history of science : the comparative approach / G.E.R. Lloyd.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lloyd, G. E. R. (Geoffrey Ernest Richard), 1933- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Science, Ancient--Cross-cultural studies.

Ethnoscience.

Science--Philosophy--History.

Science--Methodology--History.

Science, Ancient--Historiography.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (vi, 155 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2021.

Summary:

This book challenges the common assumption that the predominant focus of the history of science should be the achievements of Western scientists since the so-called Scientific Revolution. The conceptual frameworks within which the members of earlier societies and of modern indigenous groups worked admittedly pose severe problems for our understanding. But rather than dismiss them on the grounds that they are incommensurable with our own and to that extent unintelligible, we should see them as offering opportunities for us to revise many of our own preconceptions. We should accept that the realities to be accounted for are multi-dimensional and that all such accounts are to some extent value-laden. In the process insights from current anthropology and the study of ancient Greece and China especially are brought to bear to suggest how the remit of the history of science can be expanded to achieve a cross-cultural perspective on the problems.

Contents:

On aspects of the status quaestionis

Translatability, intelligibility, revisability

Demystifying the Greek miracle

The question of causal factors

The criteria of theories, simplicity for instance

Supplementary note on Greek astronomical models

Definitions and the problems of foreclosure

The challenge of 'mythology'

Elements, processes, substances, stuff

Health and disease, illness and well-being

Mind, body, heart, brain, soul, spirit.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 20 Aug 2021).

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Print version: Lloyd, G. E. R. 1933- Expanding horizons in the history of science

ISBN:

9781009033879

1009033875

9781009034074

1009034073

9781009029285

1009029282