Historical-epistemological notes. Sixteenth and seventeenth centuries

Abstract

the purpose of this paper is to discuss some epistemological aspects that are important to understand the historical progress of science throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. In this context, we mention the contribution of Michel Foucault who helped to define the type of knowledge prevailing until the 16th century as “episteme of resemblance”, and also the fact that for that particular era it was not possible to talk about representation itself. From the point of view of Georges Canguilhem’s work, we reflect then on the meaning and impact Andreas Vesalio’s De humanis corporis fabrica and Nicolas Copernico’s De revolutionibus orbium coelestium had on culture. Last but not least, we discuss about the theory that the game of similarities, existing until the 16th century, will be replaced by comparisons that will lead to establish differences as well. Order and measure will be a part of this emerging scientific rationality. This paper also emphasizes on the idea that thanks to Galileo we move from the common renaissance experience to experimenting in the scientific practices.

Keywords

• history of science
• scientific revolution
• scientific knowledge
• epistemology
• rationalism