Fundamental Concepts of Natural Science

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course raises questions fundamental to our experience of the physical world. Questions such as "What is space?" and "What is time?" and broader issues about the nature of life are initially raised through a close reading of Plato's <i>Timaeus</i> and Aristotle's <i>Physics</i>, along with excerpts from other ancient texts. In attempting to answer these questions over the course of the semester, we will read a wide variety of sources: principally ancient and modern primary texts, with some secondary readings. These readings will include Euclid's <i>Elements</i>, Descartes' <i>Principles of Philosophy</i>, and Einstein's <i>Theories of Relativity</i>. Spring.