God's Philosophers: How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science

God's Philosophers: How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science

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The adjective 'medieval' has become a synonym for brutality and uncivilised behaviour. Yet without the work of medieval scholars there could have been no Galileo, no Newton and no Scientific Revolution.
Author: James Hannam

Format: Paperback

Number of Pages: 448


The adjective 'medieval' has become a synonym for brutality and uncivilised behaviour. Yet without the work of medieval scholars there could have been no Galileo, no Newton and no Scientific Revolution. In God's Philosophers, James Hannam debunks many of the myths about the Middle Ages, showing that medieval people did not think the earth was flat, nor did Columbus prove that it is a sphere; the Inquisition burnt nobody for their science nor was Copernicus afraid of persecution; no Pope tried to ban human dissection or the number zero. God's Philosophers is a celebration of the forgotten scientific and technological achievements of the Middle Ages. Charting an epic journey through six centuries of history, it brings back to light the discoveries of neglected geniuses like John Buridan, Nicole Oresme and Thomas Bradwardine, as well as putting into context the contributions of more familiar figures like Roger Bacon, William of Ockham and Saint Thomas Aquinas. 'A spirited jaunt through centuries of scientific development.captures the wonder of the medieval world: its inspirational curiosity and its engaging strangeness.' Sunday Times 'Hannam, the liveliest of guides, makes enjoyable reading out of some seriously dusty history and difficult ideas.' Scotsman 'Here, in short, is a readable book, aimed at an intelligent but ignorant layman. You'll enjoy it.' Daniel Hannan MEP, Daily Telegraph
Description
Author: James Hannam

Format: Paperback

Number of Pages: 448


The adjective 'medieval' has become a synonym for brutality and uncivilised behaviour. Yet without the work of medieval scholars there could have been no Galileo, no Newton and no Scientific Revolution. In God's Philosophers, James Hannam debunks many of the myths about the Middle Ages, showing that medieval people did not think the earth was flat, nor did Columbus prove that it is a sphere; the Inquisition burnt nobody for their science nor was Copernicus afraid of persecution; no Pope tried to ban human dissection or the number zero. God's Philosophers is a celebration of the forgotten scientific and technological achievements of the Middle Ages. Charting an epic journey through six centuries of history, it brings back to light the discoveries of neglected geniuses like John Buridan, Nicole Oresme and Thomas Bradwardine, as well as putting into context the contributions of more familiar figures like Roger Bacon, William of Ockham and Saint Thomas Aquinas. 'A spirited jaunt through centuries of scientific development.captures the wonder of the medieval world: its inspirational curiosity and its engaging strangeness.' Sunday Times 'Hannam, the liveliest of guides, makes enjoyable reading out of some seriously dusty history and difficult ideas.' Scotsman 'Here, in short, is a readable book, aimed at an intelligent but ignorant layman. You'll enjoy it.' Daniel Hannan MEP, Daily Telegraph
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Sue Dolan
God's Philosophers: How the Medieval World Laid the Foundations of Modern Science

Bought as a gift. Will give feedback when we get it. Looks like a great book tho.

S
Sue

Have only perused the pages & not yet read them. However am looking forward to enjoy it with a few hours & a cup of tea.

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Ian
God's Philosophers

It has always seemed odd that the conventional wisdom is that people stopped thinking in Europe between the fall of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. This book shows how wrong that belief is. it also puts the lie to the idea of an obstructionist Church standing in the way of scientific inquiry. Well worth a read, if only for the pleasure of having your preconceptions jolted.