Program in History and Philosophy of Science and Technolgy Colloquium: H. Darrel Rutkin

"Galileo, Astrology and the Scientific Revolution: Another Look". In this talk I wish to make two main points: (1) that Galileo was a practicing astrologer during most if not all of his career, and (2), its corollary, that practicing astrology was still a normal activity for a mathematician, a mathematicus, in the early 17th century. This talk will provide a survey of most of the extensive evidence for reconstructing Galileo's astrological practice, most of which has long been published; at the same time I will emphasize how certain themes which run throughout Galileo's career may be used to coordinate his multifaceted practice. It will emerge that Galileo's profession as a mathematicus, as learned, practiced and taught within a social context deeply conditioned by patronage dynamics, can provide such themes; in particular, awareness of the premodern disciplinary configuration of mathematics and astronomy - and their relationship with astrology - may serve to integrate our understanding of Galileo's studies and teaching at Pisa, his teaching and extracurricular activities at Padua, and further aspects of his career at Florence and Rome. This research on Galileo is part of a larger project - including my dissertation - which attempts to sharpen and revise our understanding of astrology's central place in premodern science, and the precise contours of its removal during the scientific revolution.

 
Date and Time:
 Thursday, November 4, 2004.  4:15 PM.
Approximate duration of 2 hour(s).
Location:
Bldg 200 Lane History Building, Room 307 Stanford University  [Map]
URL:
Audience:
General Public
Category:
Lectures/Readings
Sponsor:
Program in History and Philosophy of Science and Technology
Contact:
Admission:
free
open to the public
Download:
Last Modified:
October 22, 2004