History of Science

Pictured: Host Michael Moseley

Credit: http://www.bbc.co.uk

Tune in as History of Science explores the evolution of scientific theory in six thought-provoking episodes. The six-part series airs over two nights – Wednesday, December 5 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Wednesday, December 12 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on WXXI-TV/HD (DT21.1/cable 1011 and 11). History of Science seeks to introduce all audiences to important scientific questions that humans have asked for centuries. Host Michael Moseley draws connections between history, culture, society, and human behavior in his quest to bring the most basic scientific ideas into the minds of viewers.

Episode 1, “What is Out There?,”airing December 5 at 8 p.m., looks back to the human discovery of the universe. Moseley takes the viewer back to the belief that the Earth was the center of the universe. As he details the evolution of modern astronomy, surprising connections to other cultural events such as the Renaissance and the growth of coffee shops are proposed.

Episode 2, “What is the World Made Of?,” airing December 5 at 9 p.m., explores the history of material science and discovery. As theoretical as the title question is, Moseley draws important conclusions in the influence of the idea of material in the development of the atom, element, and even field of quantum physics.

Episode 3, “How Did We Get Here?,”airing December 5 at 10 p.m., proposes thoughts on the development of the human understanding of our own evolution. Moseley presents many different perspectives in this controversial idea of evolution and connects these perspectives to the history of human behavior on Earth. 

Episode 4, “Can We Have Unlimited Power?,”airing December 12 at 8 p.m., explores the history of power generation by humans. As the most power-hungry generation, Moseley seeks an account of the evolution of power and ties in fundamental laws of nature including the famed equation e=mc2.

Episode 5, “What is the Secret of Life?," airing December 12 at 9 p.m.,  allows the viewer to question the basic notion of life as the most complex organism known to man. From Ancient Rome to the Renaissance to the nuclear age, Mosley traces the history of life science and different contributions throughout the ages.

Episode 6, “Who Are We?,” airing December 12 at 10 p.m., compares the evolution of the study of the human brain and psychology. The history of brain anatomy and psychology differ, but both are essential for humans to understand why they act and think as they do.