Early Greek Science: From Thales to Aristotle

Author: Lloyd
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: Although ancient Greek had no term that fully corresponds to the word "science" as we use it today, Western science could still be said to originate from the ancient Greeks, because they were the earliest to attempt to consistently explain natural phenomena in a naturalistic way and to pioneer the activity of rational critique of scientific theories. This book outlines the contours of Greek science through the Pythagorean school, the natural philosophers of the pre-Socratic period, the authors of the Hippocratic school, Plato, the astronomers of the 4th century BC, and Aristotle's works. The author Lloyd also explores the relationship between science and philosophy, science and medicine; discusses the social and economic background of early hopes for science; analyzes the research motivations and purposes of authors from different groups.