NEWTON - DARWIN - FREUD
Perspectives on Science & Mathematics
Dr Robert Alan HATCH - Office - 226 Keene-Flint Hall
HPS 3003 (03H9) - Autumn 2012
Tuesday 8-9 (3.00-4.55pm) & Thursday 9 (4.05-4.55pm) - 117 Keene-Flint Hall
In this course we focus on what has been called the 'emergence of the
modern mind' from the perspective of three Traditional Heroes of Western
Science & Modern Culture. Beginning biographically, we examine
assumptions about the Great Man, Genius, Heroes, Prophets, and Myth
Makers. We analyze rationality, relativism, creativity, change, and discipline
formation. We also examine the role and relations of argument and evidence
-- power and seduction too -- as they relate to science and scientists, to logic
and language, and to related concerns of classification and genealogy, and to
issues of theory/practice. In approaching science through biography and
history, we find perspectives on scientism and the in-and-outs of binary
opposition. The class is structured as a readings and discussion course with
informal lectures. Students are reponsible for a substantial amount of
required reading (see below) involving primary and secondary sources, as
well as relevant materials at this WebSite, some directly related to Newton,
Darwin, and Freud. There will be three written Critiques (3-4pp each); two
lesson plans (3-5pp each), and a Last Take-Home Essay Exam (5pp). As
an option (not required) students may choose to write additional lesson plans
or an optional extra-credit Term Paper.
Office hours for Dr Hatch are Tuesday, 5.00-6.00 pm, Thursday, 1.002.00pm, and by Appointment, 226 Keene-Flint Hall. Telephone: 392-0271.
If you have a question or pressing concern, contact me by email,ufhatch@ufl.edu. For information about UF Teach see the website. and
the Catalogue description of required courses. For information useful for this
course (reading, writing, links) study this
WebSite:http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/rhatch/pages
Required Readings:
Butterfield, Herbert. The Origins of Modern Science.
Newton, Isaac. Newton, Texts, Backgrounds, Commentaries, ed. Cohen &
Westfall
Westfall, Richard S. The Life of Isaac Newton.
Darwin, Charles. Autobiography of Charles Darwin.
Darwin, Charles. On the Origin of Species. {NB: First Edition, Only}.
Freud, Sigmund. An Autobiographical Study. Trans. by James Strachey.
Kuhn, Thomas S. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.
Other Recommended Readings:
Bowler, Peter J. Charles Darwin, The Man and His Influence. {Suggested}
Browne, Janet. Charles Darwin: Voyaging. [Volume I] {Suggested}
Clark, Ronald W. Freud: The man and the Cause. {Suggested}
Desmond, Adrian & James More. Darwin. {Strongly Recommended}
Freud, Sigmund. Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis, ed. James
Strachey.
Gay, Peter. Freud: A Life for Our Time. {Strongly Recommended}
Hall, A. Rupert. Isaac Newton. {Suggested}
Manuel, Frank. A Portrait of Isaac Newton. {Suggested}
Evaluation:
Because all required work is announced on this syllabus (and a complete
timetable is provided below) absences and arrangements for late
work must be approved in advance. Attendance is mandatory. If you miss
class for any reason please notify the Instructor by Email: ufhatch@ufl.edu or the 24-hour answering machine, 352.392.0271.
Please plan your course schedule and study commitments with care. All
course work must be completed to receive a course grade. Again, remember
that the class Mantra is important: When in doubt, read the syllabus; ask
questions; read ahead. If there is any part of 'mandatory' that is unclear,
please ask. Course Details: 'What is Expected - What do I Need to Know?'
Evaluation for this course takes five forms:
1. Comprehension of assigned readings and lectures, as expressed in written
form and in oral discussion.
2. Attendance and Panel Participation in class lectures and discussions is
mandatory, as is participation in at least one informal panel discussion, etc.
Attendance will be monitored and there will occassional unannounced
Quizzes (approximately 15%). All class work must be completed to receive a
course grade. Late work will not be accepted without an appropriate
explanation in writing.
3. Three Critiques (Short Critical Essays) on Newton, Darwin, Freud:
Three-page critical essay, 750 words typed. Guidelines are provided at the
WebSite. Each Critical Essay is due 12.00 Noon on the Friday following the
closing Panel Discussion, respectively, on Newton, Darwin, Freud. Critiques
should be handed in at the main History Department office: 025 Keene-Flint
Hall (35%).
4. Two Lesson Plans: Two Lessons Plans, one each on your choice of two of
our three key figures, Newton, Darwin, Freud. Lesson Plans are due in class
on Tuesdays, the week after the due date for each of the Critiques (due on
Fridays). For examples and possible formats for your Lesson Plans, see the
pages at this Website,Classroom Lesson Plans (Hatch). Details will be
discussed in class (20%). Students are expected to be informed about the
kinds of Lesson Plans and their format, which can be facilitated by careful
searches of the Web where individual and institutional sites can be explored..
5. Last Take-Home Essay 12.00 Noon, Friday, 7 December 2012 {30%}:
Essays are limited to 1000 words, the equivalent of about 5 typed pages,
double spaced. This essay will involve course material and a reading
selected by each student as explained above under Alternative Readings.
Essays must be typed. Students should retain a photocopy for as backup.
PART I: NEWTON: THE MAN - IMAGE REVOLUTION
WEEK I: 22-24 August
Th: Introduction: Makers of the Modern Mind?
Background to The Scientific Revolution
Readings: Review all required texts & readings; Begin Butterfield; Cohen &
Westfall, Preface, Introduction; Begin Westfall, The Life of Isaac
Newton. (self-paced). Read materials on skills: notes, reading,
writing:Teaching Resources especially, at the beginning of the semester,
the Study Guide. Pay particular attention to periodizations in history; then
focus on ancient timelines and outlines.
Review: Newton - Darwin - Freud - Page
Discussion Topic: Who is a 'Great Man'? What is genius? When is it
decided? Who decides? How is it known (questioned or denied)?
WEEK II: 27-31 August
T & Th: Background to the Scientific Revolution
Readings: Finish Butterfield; Begin: Cohen & Westfall, Preface,
Introduction; Begin Westfall, Life of Isaac Newton (self-paced).
Background: The Scientific Revolution
Study all materials: The Newton Page
Discussion Topic: Newton's Philosophy of Nature
WEEK III: 4-7 September
T & Th: The Scientific Revolution & the Newtonian Revolution
Readings: Cohen & Westfall, pp. 34-58; 184-191; 221-238; 253-274; 299308;
Continue Westfall, Life of Isaac Newton (self-paced).
Outlines - Timelines & Sorted Details: The Scientific Revolution
Discussion Topic: Newton's Method & Scientific Achievement
WEEK IV: 10-14 September
T & Th: Newton & the Newtonian Revolution;
Images of Newton: Biography & Achievement
Readings: Cohen & Westfall, 58-72; 248-250; 327-346; Complete
Westfall, Life of Isaac Newton (self-paced).
WEEK V: 17-21 September
T & Th: Panel: Interpretations of Newton, the Newtonian Revolution &
Newtonianism
A list of Panel Members will be developed.
[NB: No Class Thursday; Prepare Newton Critique & Lesson Plan]
Newton Critiques Due: 12:00 - Noon Friday, History Department Main
Office; Newton Lesson Plan due next Tuesday in class.
PART II: DARWIN: THE MAN - IMAGE REVOLUTION
WEEK VI: 24-28 September Charles Darwin: The Newton of Biology
Before Darwin--Natural History & 'Developmentalism'
Readings: Darwin, Autobiography, Begin, self-paced, read entire.
Study all materials: The Darwin Page
Discussion Topic: Newton & Darwin: Are they similar?
WEEK VII: 1-5 October T & Th: Images of Darwin: What is Darwinism?
Charles Darwin: Views of the Man;
Darwinian Survival: Natural Selection & the 'Fittest'
On the Origin of Species: An Analysis
Readings: Begin Darwin, Origin (Chpts 1-4);
Continue Darwin, Charles. Autobiography of Charles Darwin (self-paced).
Discussion Topic: Science, Scientists, Scientism: Expert Knowledge
WEEK VIII: 8-12 October
T: Darwin's Language: Mechanism, Analogy, Metaphor; Darwinism After
Darwin.
Th: Darwin & the Origin
Readings: Complete Darwin, Origin; Finish Darwin, Charles. Autobiography
of Charles Darwin.
Discussion Topic: What is scientific Argument; Evidence; Proof?
WEEK IX: 15-19 October
Th: Panel: Biographical & Contextual Interpretations of Darwin &
Darwinism
A list of Panel Members will be developed.
Readings: Review the Origin. Review all notes and readings.
Darwin Critiques Due: 12:00 - Noon Friday, History Department Main
Office; Darwin Lesson Plan due next Tuesday in class.
PART III: FREUD: THE MAN - IMAGE REVOLUTION
WEEK X: 22-26 October
T & Th: The Darwin of the Mind: Originality & Freud's Achievement
Freud: Self Reflections & Autobiography
Readings: Begin Autobiographical Study (self-paced aimed at completion);
Study all materials: The Freud PageDiscussion Topic: Darwin and Freud
WEEK XI: 29 October - 1 November
T & Th: The Structure of Freud's Theories & Interpretations of Freud & His
Work
Readings: Continue & finish Autobiographical Study;
Begin: Freud, Sigmund. Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis, ed. James
Strachey.
Discussion Topic: Is Psychoanalysis Science? Textual analysis of readings.
WEEK XII: 5-8 November
T: The Unconscious, Sexuality & Psycho-Sexual Development
[NB: No class Thursday; Work on Critique & Lesson Plan]
Readings: Continue [Recommended]: Peter Gay, Freud: A Life for Our
Time (self-paced).
Readings: Review all Freud readings; Begin Kuhn, Structure (two readings
may be required);
[Recommended]: Finish Peter Gay, Freud: A Life for Our Time.
Discussion Topic: Freud, Sex, Biography, Women
WEEK XIII: 13-16 November
T: Panel: Interpretations of Freud & Freudianism
A list of Panel Members will be developed.
Readings: Review all readings; Continue Kuhn, Structure.
Freud Critiques Due: 12:00 - Noon Friday, History Department Main Office;
Freud Lesson Plan due next Tuesday in class.
PART IV: GENIUS - 'GREAT MEN' - REVOLUTION
WEEK XV: 20 November
T: Tuesday: Kuhn: Birds, Rabbits & Other Living Things
NB: Thursday, No Class - Research & Writing - Consult with Dr Hatch;
Prepare for Last Take-Home Essay: For Consideration: Genius, Hero,
Villain, Victim
Readings: Complete Kuhn, Structure
WEEK XVI: 26-30 November
T: Panel: Newton, Darwin, Freud: Genius, 'Great Men' & the Structure of
Scientific Revolutions
A list of Panel Members will be developed.
Readings: Review all readings and notes. Do some independent & synthetic
thinking--what are the key themes & how do they relate?
WEEK XVI: Tuesday: 3 December: NB: Final Open Discussion: Newton,
Darwin, Freud
Nota Bene:
Last Essay: Take-Home Due: 12:00 Noon, Friday, 7
December 2012,
025 Keene-Flint Hall {History Department Main Office}
The Last Take-Home Essay Question - Good Luck! Click Here
Please staple your type-written exam & supply a stamped, self-addressed
envelope.
Your essay and course grade will be delivered by a Special Federal Agent.
Overview Sketch - Newton Darwin Freud
{Roman numerals represent units not lectures or weeks;
readings are topical, chronological, and correlated with by organizing figure}.
I. Introduction
II. Background to Newton: The Scientific Revolution
III. Newton
A. Isaac Newton (1642-1727): Life & Character
B. Newton as a Life: Psychobiography & Material Issues of Health
C. Newton and the Newtonian World Machine: Myth & Metaphor
D. Newton and Religion
E. Newton and Alchemy
F. And All Was Light: Newton and the Enlightenment
IV. Newtonianism and 18th Century Theories of Evolution
V. Background to Darwin: The Great Chain of Being
VI. Darwin
A. Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882): Life & Character
B. Darwin as a Life: Psychobiography & the 'Sofa & Shawl Syndrome'
C. Darwin: The 'Newton of Biology' & the Darwinian Revolution
D. Darwin, Evolution, and Natural Selection
1. Background
2. Linnaeus, Buffon, Cuvier, Erasmus Darwin
3. J-B Lamarck
4. Darwin & the Voyage of the Beagle
5. Darwin's Debts: Lyell, Hooker, Huxley
6. Darwin's Foes: Sedgwick, Wilberforce et al.
7. The Origin
8. Reception of the Origin
9. Ascent & the Descent: Man
10. Spenser (1820-1903) & Social 'Darwinism'
11. Physics Envy: Darwin vs. Lord Kelvin & the Age of the Earth
12. Darwin & A.R. Wallace: Simultaneous Interruptus
VII. Background to Freud: Theories of Mind, Mesmerism & Anatomy
VIII. Freud
A. Sigmund Freud (1856-1939): Life & Character
B. Freud as a Life: Psyching One's Self & Others
C. Freud: Inventing the Unconscious
D. Freud, Psyche, & Discipline Formation
E. Freud's Early Work
F. The Mature Freud: Disputes & Disputations
G. Reception of Freud & Psychoanalysis
H. Turning Mind Upon Itself: Understanding the Non-rational
IX. Newton Darwin Freud: Similarity Difference
X. Great Men, Great Books, Tradition Bashing
XI. Second Thoughts: Ideas, Individuals, Institutions, Interests, Influence
READING, WRITING & DISCUSSION
Seminar discussion has a long tradition and is not far removed from the
criteria for writing what we have called 'critiques.' The following should be
considered in dealing with writing, whether in preparing critical reviews of
required texts or seminar discussion.
1. It is important to state succinctly, in several sentences, the author's thesis.
The thesis statement represents the author's position and interpretation
regarding the subject/content of the writing.
2. What are the author's objectives? Why do you think the author chose this
topic or selected this problem? What is the purpose in writing this book? Is it
good problem selection? Does the work continue an historiographic tradition?
Does it respond to a different tradition? Is there an ax to grind?
3. Having addressed the thesis, purpose, and objectives, what are the most
important claims? Conclusions? Always use succinct direct quotation to
demonstrate your point.
4. Good writing involves argument and evidence. Describe the structure and
show how the organization relates to the argument. Are assumptions implicit?
Explicit? Are there superfluous and irrelevant statements? Is the presentation
cogent? What counter arguments does the author anticipate?
5. What kinds of evidence are used? Does the writer use relevant examples?
What types of examples and evidence are omitted? What kinds of evidence
are used--factual, empirical, statistical? Does the author employ hypotheses?
Are there speculations? Is the author clear when using interpretive models?
6. Concerning appeals to authority: Are citations numerous? Do citations refer
to descriptive, summary statements; close arguments; direct quotations of
contemporary authors? contextual 'historical texts'?
7. How would you characterize the audience? How would the author
characterize the audience? What are the contexts of the text--essay, chapter,
journal, publisher, country, discipline, etc.
8. Characterize the author's use of language and tone; do definitions serve the
purpose? What of the use of metaphor, mathematics, statistics, technical
language, diagrams, pictures, jargon?
9. Is the writing convincing and persuasive? Why or why not? Relate your
evaluation to the thesis, purpose, and objectives and make clear what
standards or criteria you are using to analyze the argument. How is the
author's writing best described? Is it descriptive; prescriptive; explanatory? Is
it issue- oriented; directed toward problem-solving? solution-presenting? Is
the problem or solution defined and discussed fairly and adequately? Do you
find unsupported opinion or bias?
10. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the work? Specifically, how
could it be improved? Formulate one or two questions that need to be
addressed. Attempt to describe where in the text you would engage this writer
in order to enter into the reformulation of the problem and/or argument.
Refine your position; consider your assumptions, thesis, objectives, purpose,
argument, evidence, structure, tone.
The Big Guys - Newton - Darwin - Freud - Resources &
Links
Need help with writing, bibliography, or research? Click
Here: X
rah.iv.2012 et seq.
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