The Rise of Early Modern Science
Islam, China and the West
Published on 30. June 1995
Book
Paperback/Softback
423 pages
978-0-521-49833-3 (ISBN)
Description
This is a study of the long-standing question of why modern science arose only in the West and not in the civilizations of Islam or China, despite the fact that, by the Middle Ages, Islam and China were more scientifically advanced. To find an explanation the author examines the differences in religious, philosophical, and legal institutions of the three civilizations, focusing on the legal concept of 'corporation', which is unique to the West and gave rise to neutral space and free inquiry, concepts integral to modern science.
Reviews / Votes
'... is a fascinating, rather studious, discussion exploring the historical relation of thought and culture. The insights are especially important now the Net is the current revolution, with its own ideas of worldwide progress.' New Scientist '... a stimulating book ...'. A. G. Keller, Ambix ' ... a new perspective to the fascinating question of why the Scientific Revolutin took place in the Latin West ...' Owen Gingerich, Journal of History and AstronomyMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
2 Halftones, unspecified; 9 Line drawings, unspecified
Dimensions
Height: 227 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
561 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-49833-3 (9780521498333)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
New editions
Book
08/2003
2nd Edition
Cambridge University Press
€45.87
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Person
Content
Preface; Acknowledgements; List of illustrations; 1. The role of science in the modern world; 2. Arabic science and the Islamic world; 3. Reason and rationality in Islam and the West; 4. The European legal revolution; 5. Colleges, universities, and sciences; 6. Cultural climates and the ethos of science; 7. Science and civilization in China; 8. Science and social organization in China; 9. The rise of early modern science; Epilogue: science and civilizations East and West; Selected bibliography; Index.