On the Shoulders of Giants - Five Visionaries Who Changed Astronomy and Physics

This five-week course is based on Stephen Hawking’s curated anthology On the Shoulders of Giants, showcasing the original writings of five scientific icons: Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton, and Einstein. Each week focuses on one scientist’s life, contributions, and the revolutionary ideas that shaped modern science. Discussions will explore historical context, key breakthroughs, and their enduring impact. A perfect blend of science, history, and philosophy for anyone fascinated by the evolution of thought.

DELIVERY MODE

• Face-to-Face

SUGGESTED READING

• On the Shoulders of Giants (Running Press: 2002), ISBN: 978-0762416981

COURSE OUTLINE

• Copernicus and the heliocentric model
• Galileo and the birth of experimental science
• Kepler and the laws of planetary motion
• Newton and the foundation of classical mechanics
• Einstein and the revolution of modern physics

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Identify the key scientific contributions of Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton, and Einstein.
2. Understand how each figure's work transformed astronomy and physics.
3. Appreciate the historical context in which these scientists worked.
4. Engage with excerpts from original scientific texts.
5. Discuss how these breakthroughs still influence scientific thought today.