history 162 project outline and final paper

Title: The Impact of the Presocratics on the history of science

This project will focus on examining what impact did presocratics had on the development of history of science? Recognizably, it is acknowledged that they are ancient Greek philosophers who emerged prior to Socrates and Aristotle. They had so much impact on science because they focused on examining understandings of phenomenon through natural explanations instead of focusing on supernatural explanations. In this case, they set pace for other incoming philosophers and scientists by providing a basis of understanding science. In this case, focus will be on examining the impact of presocratics on history of science, in reference to how they influenced Aristotle and other intellectuals building on science, and impacted science history back then through their thoughts, debates and interpretations.

Bibliography

Primary source

Hanover College. Hanover historical texts collection. Accessed July 9, 2016. http://history.hanover.edu/project.php

This website comprises commentary and fragments of presocratics, such as Anaximander and Melissos illustrating their thoughts, debates and inteprations of phenomenons and issues, including plurality, motion and dichotomy among others to add rationality which is a key element in science.

Secondary sources

Gregory, Andrew. The Presocratics and the Supernatural: Magic, Philosophy and Science in Early Greece. London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2012.

This book examine association between philosophy, magic and investigation of nature during pre-Socratic Greece. Focus is on how they may have employed mysticism, numerology, astrology and animism to interpret phenomenon. This information provides insight on the primary source, by conceptualizing the presocratic thoughts present in primary sources.

Demetris Nicolaides. In the Light of Science: Our Ancient Quest for Knowledge and the Measure of Modern Physics. New York: Prometheus Books, 2014.

This book offer insight on how pre-Socratic abandoned mythology to adapt rationally understood and impersonal principles that define today’s science. It discusses how factors such as politics, Greek language, geography and cultural proclivity that advanced critical thinking had a huge effect on pre-Socratic efforts to advance science. This information provides insight on the primary source, by conceptualizing the presocratic thoughts present in primary sources.