Professor DeCoster

December 4, 2023

Reflection 2

            This course, “Science, Technology, and Knowledge in the Premodern World” has greatly changed my understanding of the history of science. Before taking this class, it was my general understanding that science had a singular definition and there was only one accepted way to practice science. After taking HIS 276, I now understand that science has taken on many different forms throughout history. In other words, it simply looked different over time and the modern model that resulted from the Scientific Revolution is not the only valid form of understanding the world.

            For instance, science can be traced back as far as the Paleolithic era, or the Old Stone Age in which Oldowan tools were used by the first stone tool makers, the Australopithecus afarensis. The first civilizations also saw the emergence of science. Mesopotamians practiced Babylonian science, giving them an extensive understanding of astronomy, and they also performed divination as well as astrology to enhance their contact with the gods. The Ancient Egyptians had extensive knowledge about human anatomy due to their mummification practices, which connected to their belief in physically bringing bodies into the afterlife. These civilizations used scientific and spiritual practices hand in hand, both of which were valid forms of science for their time. More recently, philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle used logic and reasoning to understand the natural world and the cosmos, and started to understand the laws of motion. These philosophers still believed in a higher power and eternal perfection.

            The general thought in Western science today, is that religion and science completely contradict each other. This is the idea that emerged after the Scientific Revolution which resulted in a huge shift from a “nature model” to a “mechanized model.” This idea does not apply to the entirety of the cultures of the rest of the world today and should not minimize the advances in science that occurred in the past. Western cultures must understand that our history is very Eurocentric and has a reputation for writing over entire periods of history to fit the European agenda. This course has helped me to understand the bigger picture of science and learn about the different forms it has taken throughout time.