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Science in the Twentieth Century: A Social-Intellectual Survey cover art

Science in the Twentieth Century: A Social-Intellectual Survey

By: Steven L. Goldman, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Steven L. Goldman
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Summary

As the 19th century drew to a close, the age-old quest to understand the physical world appeared to be complete, except for a few minor details. In fact, Albert Michelson, the first American to win a Nobel Prize in the sciences, noted that, "It seems probable that most of the grand underlying principles have been firmly established." And he was far from alone among his peers. Scientists in 1900 had no inkling of the other mind-boggling developments that lay in wait: plate tectonics, genetic engineering, space probes, nanotechnology, big bang theory, electronic computers, nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, and many other astounding products of the human mind. Indeed, by the end of the 20th century, nearly every 19th-century theory of natural and social phenomena would be overthrown or superseded.

This dynamic transformation has not been a matter of revolution, but of evolution, as you'll learn in this fascinating 36-lecture exploration of scientific growth filled with ideas, anecdotes, and insights. You'll see how 20th-century scientists have built on crucial 19th-century concepts such as energy, natural selection, atoms, fields, and waves to assemble a body of knowledge to stun even the most farsighted scientific thinkers of that not-too-distant past.

You'll come away with a new appreciation of how scientific knowledge expands, as Professor Goldman addresses a tremendous range of scientific and technological topics, including science and society, physics, mathematics, psychology, cosmology, telecommunications, meteorology, and archaeology.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses

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Excellent. Amazing range. Recommend most highly

Would you consider the audio edition of Science in the Twentieth Century: A Social-Intellectual Survey to be better than the print version?

A fascinating comprehensive overview of modern science.

What does Professor Steven L. Goldman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

His intelligent lecturing style. He loves his subject. His ability toi interpret is outstanding

Any additional comments?

I listend 3/4 times. the notes were very good and close to the lectures

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Superb

I have listened to several amazing Great Courses, but this for me is the outstanding one. An introduction to the scientific achievements of the last century in all the principal branches, from physics to psychology. Clearly and engagingly presented. I believe the course will be especially useful to those who, like me, have received a humanistic education with only a smattering of science. The only drawback is that the course is almost twenty years old. The Great Courses already have units on science until 1700 and science between 1700 and 1900. Perhaps now a course on science during the last twenty years? Perhaps from Professor Goldman?

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