Research project Objectivity, experiments, empirical observations and debating the shape of Earth, ca 1849–1890
When the shape of the Earth became a topic of debate in Victorian Britain, both sides claimed that their viewpoint was the more objective one. This project studies the debate and how ideals like objectivity and empiricism were used by the debaters.
This project studies a debate on the shape of Earth in 19th century Britain.
Scholars and professionals applying astronomical knowledge, such as seafarers and surveyors, defended conventional astronomical knowledge. The challengers were a mixed group including public speakers, publishers, claiming that Earth was flat. Both sides argued that they had obtained their knowledge in a more objective, rational and empirical way than the other.
The project looks at how the debaters tried to convince their audience, often by highlighting seemingly the same scientific ideals, and how the debate could continue even after joint experiments had confirmed the stance of the scholars and professionals.
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Lisa Svanfeldt-Winter is currently a Visiting Research Fellow at the Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine, King's College, London.