Science and the Modern WorldAlfred North Whitehead's SCIENCE AND THE MODERN WORLD, originally published in 1925, redefines the concept of modern science. Presaging by more than half a century most of today's cutting-edge thought on the cultural ramifications of science and technology, Whitehead demands that readers understand and celebrate the contemporary, historical, and cultural context of scientific discovery. Taking readers through the history of modern science, Whitehead shows how cultural history has affected science over the ages in relation to such major intellectual themes as romanticism, relativity, quantum theory, religion, and movements for social progress. |
Contents
The Origins of Modern Science | 1 |
Mathematics as an Element in the History of Thought | 19 |
The Century of Genius | 39 |
The Eighteenth Century | 57 |
The Romantic Reaction | 75 |
The Nineteenth Century | 95 |
Relativity | 113 |
The Quantum Theory | 129 |
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abstract Accordingly activity actual actual occasion analysis aspects atom body century character complete concept concerned concrete consider course definite derived Descartes determination direct doctrine duration effect element enduring energy entities environment epoch essence eternal objects event evidence example exhibit existence experience explained express fact field final function given grade human ideas immediate importance individual influence interest involved Italy knowledge laws lecture light limited living logical material mathematics matter mean mechanism mentality merely metaphysical method mind mode nature notion observed occasion organisms particular pattern period philosophy physical position possibility prehension present principle progress question realisation reality reason reference relations relationships religion respect scheme scientific sense seventeenth century simple space stands successive theory things thought tion truth ultimate unity universe various whole