March 27, 2006
Physicist Michael Nauenberg to give Emeriti
Lecture on Thursday, April 6
Michael Nauenberg, professor emeritus of physics, will deliver
an Emeriti Lecture on Thursday, April 6, entitled "The
Nature of Science and the Science of Nature: An Historical Perspective."
The lecture will begin at 8 p.m. in the Media Theater and will
be followed by light refreshments.
Michael Nauenberg Photo: Josette Nauenberg
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The rapid rise of modern science is undoubtedly one of the
most important events in human history. It also impacted almost
all other spheres of knowledge and philosophy and profoundly
changed our view of the world. Yet an understanding of science
has remained elusive, as is evident from recent contentious
public debates over issues relating to science.
Nauenberg's lecture will examine some of the fundamental concepts
of natural science through the work of Robert Hooke, the most
prolific participant in the 17th-century scientific revolution.
Shortly after his death, Hooke was almost completely forgotten,
partly due to professional intrigues. But recent historical
research has restored his earlier towering reputation. Now,
half a dozen new books describe his numerous achievements, and
he is being hailed as the "Leonardo of London." In
2004, Hooke finally was honored with a memorial in Westminster
Abbey, where his lifelong nemesis, Isaac Newton, is buried.