What is science? We learn about it,
read about it and speak about it, yet it often is difficult to define because
of its inception, diversity and complexity. Science relies on natural
occurrences that are explained by testing models of nature. They are then
improved through tests that use the scientific method. Scientists use the
scientific method to gather information, but the human quality of science
affects the outcome. Results are not without bias. Does that give us accuracy
when it comes to science or opinion? Ultimately we can never truly be certain
that scientific proof is real or complete.
Thales of Miletus, a Greek
philosopher, was not correct when he developed his model of the universe, but
he was an important figure in the history of the development of astronomy.
Thales was the first person to back-up his ideas using natural data rather than
supernatural explanations. He not only obeyed the hallmarks of science, but he
set the stage for future scientists to discover more about the science of the universe.
Throughout history Thales is known as the “Father of Science” for not relying
on mythological explanations for his ideas. Although science is difficult to
define, it is imperative that it stands apart from mythology, which Thales did.
In addition
to being the first “scientist” to use natural reasoning, Thales was also the
first to incorporate mathematics in a logical way. Due to his work, mathematics
brought truth and certainty to the scientific world. Because science was no
longer completely objective, Thales was recognized for his use of deductive
reasoning to prove his points. Mathematics was so impressive and significant
that Thales created a theorem based on his work. Thales’ Theorem states that if
there are 3 points on a circle that create a triangle, and point 1 and 2 create
a diameter, then the angle at point 3 is a right angle. The fact that Thales is
using factual means to validate his theorem gives credit to his nickname,
“Father of Science.”
Thales of Miletus is regarded as the first Western philosopher and mathematician. He had a monistic view of water and speculated that water is the primary material element of all beings and cosmic phenomenon. He proposed a theory that the earth floats on water like a raft. This was disproved later. He was an original thinker who pursued practical, provable and logical reasons for why things happened and refused to believe in superstitions. I think that Thales was a champion proponent of liberal thinking at his time because he believed in observation and analysis followed by interpretation of a certain observable phenomenon.
ReplyDeletehttp://philosophy.gr/presocratics/thales.htm
Regardless of some inaccurate theories such as the monistic view of water that Rohan mentioned and model of the universe, Thales remains to this day the Father of Science. Its incredible that he was passionate and defiant enough to seek explanations to supernatural and heavenly phenomena, something that had been so widely valued. It instigated a plethora of new ideas throughout history, and we see the same patterns of modifications as each scientist continuously builds upon the ideas of others. Not only did Thales create a new revolution in his time, but he also influences scientists to pursue the understanding of Earths occurrences to this day.
ReplyDeleteTo be more specific about Thales' use of mathematics, he is most notable for his innovative use of geometry. Thales was first introduced to geometry when in Egypt, where measuring plots of land was important after destructive floods destroyed crops. Thales used it to measure heights of pyramids and the distance of ships from shore. Upon leaving Egypt, he was the one to introduce the concept of geometry in Greece, according to A Commentary on the First Book of Euclid's Elements. He was most fascinated by the characteristics of circles, lines and angles, leading him to create his famous Thales' Theorem. Besides his theorem, however, Thales had other contributions. One of which is discovery of the seasons. While he didn't create the seasons, he was the first to associate them with the solstices and the changing position of the sun. By his contributions, I think Thales' application of geometry and mathematics to the natural world really makes him the "first true mathematician."
ReplyDeleteSources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thales#Theory
http://www.iep.utm.edu/thales/#SH9a