Conversation

I try to keep in mind that Tycho Brahe was born after Copernicus died, and supplied the data that helped Kepler refine and prove Copernicus right, BUT believed in a weird pre-Copernican “helio-geocentric” theory where the sun revolves around the earth but planets around sun
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Another example is: Leibniz invented calculus, some elements of mechanics, and arguably computers, but as a philosopher played a weird reactionary role resisting Spinoza’s foundational modern thought Contributing to progress is no guarantee of recognizing it happening
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Weird personal preference, but I’d rather be a spectator accurately appreciating progress I have the privilege to witness than being a contributor but blind and resistant to what I’m helping bring about through my actions I suspect most people choose the latter 🤔
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Newton was somewhat similar with his obsession with alchemy.. Neal Stephensons Baroque Trilogy features both Leibniz and Newton and is very entertaining..
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I think that's a fun compromise between empirical science on the one hand, which has no regard for whether or not it renders the universe as completely alienating, and on the other hand a spiritual need to be at home in the world. To salvage a cosmology where we're center stage
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