From Summetria to Symmetry

Name: From Summetria to Symmetry
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ISBN: 9789048178841

The Making of a Revolutionary Scientific Concept

Giora Hon, Bernard R. Goldstein

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English

Springer
30 November 2010

Theory of architecture; History of mathematics; Philosophy of science; History of science; Physics

Series: Archimedes

Many literary critics seem to think that an hypothesis about obscure and remote questions of history can be refuted by a simple demand for the production of more evidence than in fact exists. The demand is as easy to make as it is impossible to satisfy. But the true test of an hypothesis, if it cannot be shown to con?ict with known truths, is the number of facts that it correlates and explains. Francis M. Cornford [1914] 1934, 220. It was in the autumn of 1997 that the research project leading to this publication began. One of us [GH], while a visiting fellow at the Center for Philosophy of Science (University of Pittsburgh), gave a talk entitled, “Proportions and Identity: The Aesthetic Aspect of Symmetry”. The presentation focused on a confusion s- rounding the concept of symmetry: it exhibits unity, yet it is often claimed to reveal a form of beauty, namely, harmony, which requires a variety of elements. In the audience was the co-author of this book [BRG] who responded with enthusiasm, seeking to extend the discussion of this issue to historical sources in earlier periods. A preliminary search of the literature persuaded us that the history of symmetry was rich in possibilities for new insights into the making of concepts. John Roche’s brief essay (1987), in which he sketched the broad outlines of the history of this concept, was particularly helpful, and led us to conclude that the subject was worthy of monographic treatment.

By: Giora Hon, Bernard R. Goldstein
Imprint: Springer
Edition: 1st ed. Softcover of orig. ed. 2008
Volume: 20
Dimensions: Height: 235mm, Width: 155mm, Spine: 18mm
Weight: 539g
ISBN: 9789048178841
ISBN 10: 9048178843
Series: Archimedes
Pages: 336
Publication Date: 30 November 2010
Audience: Professional and scholarly , Undergraduate
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Reviews for From Summetria to Symmetry: The Making of a Revolutionary Scientific Concept

From the reviews: Hon and Goldstein's book is, primarily, a historical study of the term 'symmetry' and the concepts associated with it up to the early 1800s. ! a contribution to fruitful discussion between historians and philosophers of science. ! For philosophers of science, such historical work is invaluable. (Katherine Brading, Metascience, Vol. 19, March, 2010)