Search Results for: history of science

History of science – for Kiwis

Just heard that Rebecca Priestley, a New Zealand science historian and writer (catch her columns in the NZ Listener) is coordinating a new course at Victoria University of Wellington this year. It’s a completely on-line course – SCIE-302 – Special … Continue reading

Bias in the history of science

I am currently reading Retrying Galileo, 1633-1992 by Maurice A. Finocchiaro. This certainly provides some background to the current mythology about the Galileo affair (see The Galileo myths). Apparently Galileo’s trial never stopped with his sentencing in 1633 – he … Continue reading

Clarifying some myths in the history of science

I want to deal here with some myths about religion and science. Specifically the religious apologetics claim that Christianity was a requirement for the scientific revolution. And the more widespread popular belief that blames early Christianity for the “dark ages.” … Continue reading

Early history of science

Historians of science tend to neglect the ancient period. There is an attitude that science really didn’t happen before four centuries ago. And promoted by others. Christian apologists promote that attitude claiming, for example, that the Christian religion was a … Continue reading

Fluoridation: “debating” the science?

How the anti-fluoride activist envisages their debate challenge – their hero standing up against the might of the health authorities. Image credit: From the Coliseum to the Cage New Zealand last week saw another “debate challenge” from anti-fluoride activists. But are … Continue reading

Should we trust science? – Wellington talk

Naomi Oreskes is Professor of the History of Science and Affiliated Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University, and an internationally renowned geologist, science historian, and author. If you are in Wellington next Tuesday this should be an interesting … Continue reading

My talk to the Reason & Science Society – an invite

Auckland readers are welcome to come along to a talk I am giving at Auckland University next Thursday. The Reason and Science Society (RSS) hosting the talk. It’s called “The Case for Community Water Fluoridation with Dr Ken Perrott”. Details are: … Continue reading

RSNZ Science Book Prize winner – Tangata Whenua

Tangata Whenua: an Illustrated History won the Royal Society of NZ Science 2015 book prize. It is written by Atholl Anderson, the late Dame Judith Binney and Aroha Harris and published by Bridget Williams Books. The book charts the sweep of Māori … Continue reading

New Zealand science book prize – 2015 Short list

The Royal Society of NZ has announced the shortlist of titles for 2015 Science Book Prize (see 2015 Royal Society of New Zealand Science Book Prize). Here they are – together with the judges comments: Tangata Whenua: An Illustrated History by Atholl … Continue reading

Creationist ‘audits’ science museum

Imagine you are 10 years old and your crazy aunt is taking you out for a treat. A crazy aunt can be fun. Problem is this aunt is also a creationist and she is taking you to the local natural history museum. … Continue reading