We used to cite Thomas Kuhn’s Paradigm Shift to talk about the history of science. We highlight the discontinuous progress point that accompanies the process of entering normal science. Every typical point of this “discontinuous” progression is indexed with well-known scientists. Einstein, Rutherford, and Copernicus are examples. It is easy for us to think their genius “conception” has brought the phosphorus of present science. This misconception may lead us to ignore countless marginal parts of science history. The book Horizons tells us another half of the history of science.
The writer claims the best way to look at modern science is to follow the main issue of world history. The book consists of four major historical events: exploration of the new world, imperialism and enlightenment, capitalism, and ideological conflict. It may seem quite far away from science, but you will soon notice that there is no factor as close to science as that. Another concept penetrating the book is going out of the conventional path: European and white-centered science history. The author deliberately focuses on marginalized groups such as Asians, Ottoman, Muslim, Native Americans, and women.
With the beginning of the imperial era, science has become an important tool for hegemony. We already know that a large-scale investigation of resources has been conducted on the conquered country and it has been exploited unfairly. The neglected part was the natives’ scientific expertise involved in the whole process. For example, we all know that in the past people tried to figure out the earth’s shape by measuring. The fact they dug seven miles of trenches in the Andes plateau for measurement and the native Peruvians exploited is disregarded. We know Klaudios Ptolemaeos supported the geocentric model which is now declared false. It is oversighted that he also recognized the problem and tried to explain it by his model. To complete his model, he used the concept of epicycle and deferent (the hypothetical circle around the earth).
Some may ask why we must know this marginal history. The book answers with a more rational sight than a superficial reason like it is worth remembering history itself. First, during the whole of the Anthropocene, there never existed a period when the history of science was the exclusive possession of Europe. Second, the necessity to look at the ignored history is greater than ever. Scientists from China, the United Arab Emirates, and Kenya hold important roles at the forefront of the field. It is a perfect time to bring up the locked history.
The most impressive discussion after reading was “Did not we read this book by substituting ourselves into privileged positions?” If we have to choose, we will be closer to marginal ones. Even so, for the only reason that we are observing, we often mistake ourselves as if we were born in the home of classical science. This could be the sign that encourages you to read this book and expand your vision.
Since this book contains a huge volume of history, you may easily become confused by a lot of unfamiliar names. Also, you could be overwhelmed with an encyclopedic listing of episodes. It is okay not to remember all those episodes and scientists. This book will present you with an outstanding insight into the progress of science. Step forward and expand your insight. Before the international leap, take a look at the appendix of the history of science with Horizons.
