Based on Richard Carrier’s Columbia University dissertation and now published as a book, this course will astound you with what ancient scientists thought and accomplished and how they laid the groundwork for modern science, to be recovered and built upon only after a thousand years of Christian rule in the West. We will also cover the achievements of ancient technology, and the reasons why both the Industrial and Scientific Revolutions did not happen then but over a thousand years later.
We will then compare and contrast Pagan values with Christian in the first three centuries and what effect those values had on the pursuit and progress of science and technology then and thereafter; and what role that connection played in the history of freethought. We will also explore ancient scientific progress: it’s reality, and what ancient observers thought about it. We will learn some of the debates over methods and results scientists were then engaged in and how they anticipated modern science. Students will also get to ask an expert in the subject any and all questions they have about ancient science, technology, and philosophy, and the interaction of religion and science in the ancient world.
Start the 1st of next month, or the 1st of any future month you want. One month, covering four units, one per week. There are no timed events so you can do the readings or post questions or engage in the forum discussions whenever you want, any day and time that suits you. All the course materials, including the discussions, stay available for you to consult or download for at least another month after that.
In this class we will do a close reading of my book The Scientist in the Early Roman Empire, which you will need to purchase (in kindle or print), but you’ll get to ask the author every question you have about it and its contents, and all other readings will be provided.
Register now! And spread the word to any you think might be interested. Or take any of my ten courses this coming month or any future month!
New Method of Registering
I have moved all my online courses to a Google Groups platform. They are more affordable, and any class can be taken in any future month you like, not just in the coming month. Now any of my ten standard courses are available in any month. Courses will always start the first of the month and end at the close of that month. (Check them all out!)
Registration for any single one-month course is only $49. Every course also requires you purchase a single course text, in either print or digital format, which you should give yourself plenty of time to receive before starting the course. The required text is explained in each course description. For this, it’s my book The Scientist in the Early Roman Empire.
Students will require a Google Account (creating one is free and easy and has many other uses) and must pay the registration fee using my PayPal portal (you don’t need a PayPal account; any suitable credit or bank card will do). After paying the $49, email me with a note that you’ve paid and what for (which month and course; you can choose to start in any future month, any course I am offering; remember to also get the course text, per above). In that email please provide me the same name you used with PayPal, and your Google Account email address, so I can invite you into the course forum. You will be sent that invite by email on or before the first of the month you chose.
Then participate as much or as little as you like! Read the assigned course materials each week, answer the forum challenge questions, and post any questions or challenges you have on the subject. I’ll provide serious and attentive answers and assessments and continue to engage with you as much as you need throughout the month.
