Description
In 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus publicly defended his hypothesis that the earth is a planet and the sun a body resting near the center of a finite universe. But why did Copernicus make this bold proposal? And why did it matter? "The Copernican Question" reframes this pivotal moment in the history of science, centering the story on a conflict over the credibility of astrology that erupted in Italy just as Copernicus arrived in 1496. Copernicus engendered enormous resistance when he sought to protect astrology by reconstituting its astronomical foundations. Robert S. Westman shows that efforts to answer the astrological skeptics became a crucial unifying theme of the early modern scientific movement. His interpretation of this 'long sixteenth century', from the 1490s to the 1610s, offers a new framework for understanding the great transformations in natural philosophy in the century that followed.
About the Author
Robert S. Westman is Professor of History and Director of the Science Studies Program at the University of California, San Diego.
Reviews
"Now, at long last, we have this vast (and beautifully produced and illustrated) book to hold in our hands." Times Literary Supplement (TLS) "[An] enormously erudite treatment." Science (AAAS) "A rich, multifaceted work." -- Sheila J. Rabin Renaissance Qtly "A radically new approach to his subject." -- Michel-Pierre Lerner Journal For The History Of Astronomy "This important work-massive, original, provocative, and potentially transformational-is the culmination of a lifetime's work." -- Steven J. Dick, Former Chief Historian, NASA Quest: History Of Spaceflight "This is a towering achievement ... Westman is a gifted writer who knows how to maintain the interest of the reader who is not an expert in astronomy." -- William R. Shea American Historical Review "This substantial book is magnificent in command of materials and in its clear presentation... A wonderful book... A good investment. " Bibliotheque D'humanisme Et Renaissance
Book Information
ISBN 9780520254817
Author Robert Westman
Format Hardback
Page Count 704
Imprint University of California Press
Publisher University of California Press
Weight(grams) 1452g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 178mm * 51mm
About the Author
Robert S. Westman is Professor of History and Director of the Science Studies Program at the University of California, San Diego.
Reviews
"Now, at long last, we have this vast (and beautifully produced and illustrated) book to hold in our hands." Times Literary Supplement (TLS) "[An] enormously erudite treatment." Science (AAAS) "A rich, multifaceted work." -- Sheila J. Rabin Renaissance Qtly "A radically new approach to his subject." -- Michel-Pierre Lerner Journal For The History Of Astronomy "This important work-massive, original, provocative, and potentially transformational-is the culmination of a lifetime's work." -- Steven J. Dick, Former Chief Historian, NASA Quest: History Of Spaceflight "This is a towering achievement ... Westman is a gifted writer who knows how to maintain the interest of the reader who is not an expert in astronomy." -- William R. Shea American Historical Review "This substantial book is magnificent in command of materials and in its clear presentation... A wonderful book... A good investment. " Bibliotheque D'humanisme Et Renaissance
Book Information
ISBN 9780520254817
Author Robert Westman
Format Hardback
Page Count 704
Imprint University of California Press
Publisher University of California Press
Weight(grams) 1452g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 178mm * 51mm
