How Does the Homogenization of Scientific Knowledge Occur?

A student of mathematics at university is likely to encounter very similar material in the early years whether they enroll in Berlin, Beijing or Boston. In this video, MATTEO VALLERIANI asks how this homogenization of scientific knowledge occurs. Looking at various aspects of mathematical study at universities between the 12th and 17th centuries, Valleriani’s work combines history, philosophy and computer science in the frame of an emerging discipline known as computational history. Among his most interesting findings is the fact that the 16th century Reformation lead to a significant homogenization of scientific knowledge. Classically associated with fragmentation in various spheres (most obviously, the church), imitation of the innovative thought coming out of Wittenberg is shown to represent a key step in the homogenization of European scientific knowledge.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21036/LTPUB101041

Max Planck Institute for the History of Science

Founded in 1994, the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science (MPIWG) in Berlin is one of more than 80 research institutes administered by the Max Planck Society. The Institute is dedicated to the study of the history of science, aiming to understand scientific thinking and practice as historical phenomena from a variety of methodological and interdisciplinary perspectives. Our research draws on the reflective potential of the history of science to address current challenges in scientific scholarship, exploring the changing meaning of fundamental scientific concepts as well as how cultural developments shape scientific practices. The Institute’s projects span all eras of human history and a multitude of cultures globally, ranging from the origins of continuity systems in Mesopotamia to present-day science in China, Renaissance natural history, and the past of quantum mechanics. The Institute also draws on the reflective potential of the history of science to address current challenges in scientific scholarship.