Science and the State in Greece and Rome
Condition: SECONDHAND
This is a secondhand book. The jacket image is a photograph of the exact copy we have in stock. This image shows the condition of this book. Further condition remarks are below.
Condition remarks:
Book: Good
Jacket: Chipped and worn with some minor damage
Pages: Good
Markings: Previous owner
A pioneering exploration of the ancient world, Science and the State in Greece and Rome by Thomas W. Africa delves into the complex and often contentious relationship between intellectual inquiry and political authority. While antiquity is often celebrated for its foundational scientific advancements, Africa masterfully illuminates how the state—whether the democratic assemblies of Greece or the imperial apparatus of Rome—frequently viewed science and technology through the lens of utility, control, and political stability. He examines how rulers engaged with the thinkers of their day, questioning the extent to which state patronage fostered innovation versus how ideological and bureaucratic constraints stifled it.The work is a testament to Africa's reputation as a creative and original ancient historian who consistently sought to bridge the gap between historical scholarship and broader cultural issues. By grounding his analysis in the realities of the classical era, Africa provides a compelling narrative that remains deeply relevant to contemporary discussions on the role of government in scientific development. This scholarly, yet accessible study serves as an essential reference for those interested in the history of ideas, the mechanics of ancient governance, and the often-fraught evolution of the relationship between knowledge and power.
Author: Thomas W. Africa
Format: Hardback
Genre: Ancient history
Condition remarks:
Book: Good
Jacket: Chipped and worn with some minor damage
Pages: Good
Markings: Previous owner
A pioneering exploration of the ancient world, Science and the State in Greece and Rome by Thomas W. Africa delves into the complex and often contentious relationship between intellectual inquiry and political authority. While antiquity is often celebrated for its foundational scientific advancements, Africa masterfully illuminates how the state—whether the democratic assemblies of Greece or the imperial apparatus of Rome—frequently viewed science and technology through the lens of utility, control, and political stability. He examines how rulers engaged with the thinkers of their day, questioning the extent to which state patronage fostered innovation versus how ideological and bureaucratic constraints stifled it.The work is a testament to Africa's reputation as a creative and original ancient historian who consistently sought to bridge the gap between historical scholarship and broader cultural issues. By grounding his analysis in the realities of the classical era, Africa provides a compelling narrative that remains deeply relevant to contemporary discussions on the role of government in scientific development. This scholarly, yet accessible study serves as an essential reference for those interested in the history of ideas, the mechanics of ancient governance, and the often-fraught evolution of the relationship between knowledge and power.