Articles Tagged with history of science

The theoretical piston

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A useful idea

We ask a chicken-and-egg question about a textbook staple.

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A simpler theory (II)

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Writing down the equation

We notice how mathematical notation affects scientific progress.

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When there are two truths

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Aristotle vs. Ptolemy

We point out an uneasy tension beneath an apparent unity.

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The languages of science

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Standardization and diversity

Does it matter what words go with the mathematics?

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Learning from the Great Conjunction

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A crucial experiment

We investigate a possible event in ancient science.

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Four elements, four humors

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Before the revolution

We conclude that it can be useful to teach something that is actually wrong.

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Saving the phenomena

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Fixed stars, part II

The Middle Ages were a hotbed of astronomical controversy in Europe.

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The discard pile

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It didn’t work out

What is the use of scientific theories that aren’t right?

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