>>Get your backpack ready! It's time to brainstorm
another trip. This week in our whirlwind tour
of the history of science, let's travel to
ancient Athens in Greece. I hope you'll make
some meaningful and unexpected discoveries
this week as we explore the strange new world
of the Pythagoreans, of Plato, and Aristotle.
These are some of the most influential scientists
of all time. Though we have only a limited
time to visit, we'll not be like tourists
in Athens who seek our fast food at McDonalds.
Our aim will be to get to know the Pythagoreans,
Plato and Aristotle in terms of their own
place and time, not just in terms of modern
science.
What interests you the most about the history
of classical Greece? Have you seen the Parthenon
in Athens? Or it's full-size replica in Nashville,
Tennessee? If so, what did it feel like when
you walked inside? Have you seen it on television?
Perhaps during the coverage of the Olympic
Games in Athens? What does the Parthenon convey
about Greek science, philosophy, mathematics,
and culture? What comes to mind when you think
of the Pythagoreans? Have you read any of
Plato's dialogues? If so, did you read them
for fun? For a literature class? For a philosophy
class? Have you read any works of Aristotle's
before? If so, what class did you read them
for, or did you read them for your own enjoyment?
Have you lived or traveled in Greece? What
did you see? What impression did it make on
you?
As always, when we're planning a trip, we
want to better understand what people in this
place and time were up to. What are some similarities
between ancient Greek civilization and our
culture today? How might these similarities
help us to understand ancient Greek science?
And what are some differences between ancient
Greek civilization and our culture today?
How might these differences pose an obstacle
to our understanding of ancient Greek science?
What do you think might be the chief barrier
or prejudice that obstructs modern appreciation
of Pythagoras, Plato, and Aristotle for the
development of science? Please share your
thoughts on these things. What are your starting
assumptions?
