Medieval science, Science

Assignment Help:

Medieval Science:

We can  record  the sum total  of  the medieval  achievement  in  the natural sciences in a few lines. It can be put down as a few notes on natural history  and minerals, a treatise on sporting birds, such as falcons, hawks etc., some improvements  in  Ibn al-Haitham's optics and some criticism of Aristotle's  ideas. In mathematics and astronomy, the Arabic algebra and Indian numerals were  introduced and Ptolemy's Almagest was translated. The medieval European astronomers could not go much beyond  the Arab contribution in observational astronomy although  they added a few details. They made some contribution to trigonometry and  the construction of  instruments. However, there was no radical revision of astronomy. Robert Growteste ( 1168-1  2531), a Bishop and Chancellor of Oxford University, was a leading scientist of the Middle Ages. He thought of science as  a means of  illustrating  theological truths. He experimented with light and thought of  it as divine illumination. There were many other such 'scientists'  in  the Middle Ages. Those who questioned  the prevalent religious beliefs, were likely  to be prosecuted for heresy! Even the idea  that man could reach God directly without intermediaries, such as priests, was considered a heresy. The Middle Ages were an era of faith and of regimented  thinking. The feudal society in its social, economic and intellectual  character was again a stagnant society. The limired contribution  of medieval  xience under such conditions is understandable.  It is, indeed, unfair  to expect more of such a xience than  what was demanded  from  it in its time! However, the feudal society was definitely on a higher technical level than the slave society of the Iron Age.  In fact, the  impetus to technical  innovations had existed  from  the beginning of the Middle Ages. This arose from the need  for better  use  of land. It was here that the peasant and the workman could use and improve the classical techniques. For most of  the Middle Ages  there was a chronic labour shortage with  the labour force of slaves no longer available and with the expansion of  cultivable land  in  the countryside. Thus, human labour was sought to be substituted by mechanical means; manpower shortage led  to the use of animal, wind and water-power. Thus, we  find  that many  technical developments took  place  in medieval  Europe though most of  them seem  to have come from the East, especially from China.


Related Discussions:- Medieval science

What is learning, QUESTION 1 ‘First Impression is the last impression.'...

QUESTION 1 ‘First Impression is the last impression.' Discuss this very often heard quote referring to the theory of Solomon Asch. Support your answer with examples from your o

Changes in social organisation, Changes in Social Organisation: We find ...

Changes in Social Organisation: We find that the above trend in  social organisation  led to a tendency which eventually stifled the progress of  these civilisations and led to

What are the climatic factors of fertilizer requirements, What are the Clim...

What are the Climatic factors of fertilizer requirements  These include temperature, rainfall and its distribution, evaporation, length of day and growing season.  A cool clima

#titleChild Care Centers in Colorado, What are the ratios allowed for three...

What are the ratios allowed for three year olds and Child Care Centers in Colorado and what is the citation of the rules that addresses ratios?

Air pollution, Air Pollution Air pollution  is one of the major probl...

Air Pollution Air pollution  is one of the major problems created by modern man.  It  is estimated that about 100 million tons of waste are poured  into our atmosphere each y

Define relationship of proteins with physiology, Define relationship of Pro...

Define relationship of Proteins with Physiology These form building block through their 'amino acids'. They pass through blood stream and go to liver, where they are broken dow

Define pus - abnormal constituent of urine, Define pus - abnormal constitue...

Define pus - abnormal constituent of urine Pus: Pus cells are found in the urine in infections of urinary tract. Pus is actually a viscous, yellowish-white fluid formed in infe

Why do dark colours absorb heat?, Question 1 Outline the risks of nuclear ...

Question 1 Outline the risks of nuclear fissions Question 2 Comment on semiconductor devices and their usage Question 3 In a total system approach, what are the various

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd