This lecture traces the history of science from ancient times to the early 20th century by viewing experimental and observational instruments.
In particular, each class focuses on a single scientific instrument, explains its development and each phase’s experimental/observational accuracy, and related discoveries. Students will consider why they conduct experiments and observations and why they can trust and accept experimental/observational results by learning about Aristotle’s deductive method, Francis Bacon’s inductive method based on experiments, and the formation of experimentalism societies.
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
1) Understand the origin of experiments and observations.
2) Have their own opinions on why they conduct experiments and observations and why they can trust and accept experimental/observational results.
History of Science, History of Philosophy, experiment, observation, scientific instrument
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
A theme (an instrument) will be discussed in each class.
Students discuss the theme and read materials aloud in turn with a group.
Should the number of applicants for this course exceed the limit, a lottery system will be used to determine which students are admitted. Be sure to attend the first class.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Guidance: Introduction to the history of ‘experiments’ | Understand what the discipline of the history of science is. |
Class 2 | Observing | Understand Aristotle’s concept of observation. |
Class 3 | Viewing | Understand Euclid’s concept of optics. |
Class 4 | Measuring | Understand the history of measurement. |
Class 5 | Slopes and pendulums | Understand Galilei’s experiments on slopes and pendulums. |
Class 6 | Eye glasses | Understand the appearance of eye glasses and optical instruments. |
Class 7 | Telescopes | Understand the development of telescopes. |
Class 8 | Presentation of midterm report | Peer review activities to improve report. |
Class 9 | Air pumps | Understand Boyle’s experiments on air pumps. |
Class 10 | Glass prisms | Understand Newton’s experiments on glass prisms. |
Class 11 | Microscopes | Understand Hooke’s observations on microscopes. |
Class 12 | Shape of the Earth | Understand the controversy about the shape of the Earth. |
Class 13 | Handling experimental data | Understanding scientists’ misconduct on experimental data. |
Class 14 | Presentation of final report | Peer review activities to improve report. |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
None required.
Reference books will be informed during the lecture.
Engagement to the class (attendance and short reports) 50 %, Midterm report 20 %, Final report 30%
Mainly use materials and videos translated in Japanese and partially use videos in English.
It is preferable to have intermediate-level capacity for reading Japanese and elementary-level capacity for listening to English.
Should the number of applicants for this course exceed the limit, a lottery system will be used to determine which students are admitted. Be sure to attend the first class.