Complex Realities, Simple Beauties: Interactions between the Development of Physics Ideas and Western Civilization, from Ancient Times to the Late Nineteenth Century

Abstract

An instructive text covering the history of Physics concepts within the western tradition. It begins with a brief history of the human species, including discussions of food-gathering technology, early settlements, and the development of culture. It continues on to trace the development of human intellectual culture through ancient history and European history, charting a course through Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, and Arabic mathematical and scientific contributions. Much of the book examines the interaction of science with historical factors such as war and rule changes. It challenges readers to think about ways of knowing and the process of developing systematic knowledge.