Science and the Modern World

Originally published in 1925, Alfred North Whitehead's Science and the Modern World was a groundbreaking and important book that redefined the concept of modern science. In emphasising the position of science as a culturally connected activity, Whitehead anticipated arguments that would come to dominate the philosophy of science in the latter part of the twentieth century. Highly measured in its approach, the text moves through various periods in cultural history from the sixteenth century onwards, and shows how the great scientific discoveries of these periods were intimately connected with a more general intellectual ferment. Throughout this narrative, philosophy is put forward as humanity's fundamental intellectual pursuit; a medium of change and reconfiguration from which all thought, scientific included, derives its strength. This is a fascinating volume that will be of value to anyone with an interest in philosophy or the history of science.

1. The origins of modern science; 2. Mathematics as an element in the history of thought; 3. The century of genius; 4. The eighteenth century; 5. The Romantic reaction; 6. The nineteenth century; 7. Relativity; 8. The quantum theory; 9. Science and philosophy; 10. Abstraction; 11. God; 12. Religion and science; 13. Requisites for social progress; Index.

Alfred North Whitehead's 1925 volume was a groundbreaking and important book that redefined the concept of modern science. In emphasising the position of science as a culturally connected activity, Whitehead anticipated arguments that would come to dominate the philosophy of science in the latter part of the twentieth century.