Itihase Bigyan

• Author: J. D. Bernal
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Language: Bengali
• ISBN: 9788177564334
• Pages: 836
• Format: Hardcover

Description

Itihase Bigyan (History of Science) by J. D. Bernal is an insightful exploration of how science and society have mutually influenced each other from ancient times to the modern era. The book, originally titled Science in History, examines the development of science alongside the evolution of human societies.

• Historical Context of Science:
  The book begins by tracing the journey from primitive tools like the stone axe to the modern era of hydrogen bombs and genetic engineering. Bernal introduces the profound impact that science has had on shaping civilizations, while also exploring how societal needs and conditions have shaped scientific progress.

• Cross-Cultural Science:
  Bernal challenges the Western-centric view of scientific development. He highlights the contributions of ancient Indian, Babylonian, Egyptian, Chinese, and Islamic civilizations to the development of modern science. These cultures, often overlooked in traditional histories of science, played crucial roles in shaping the modern scientific enterprise.

• Interdisciplinary Approach:
  Bernal doesn't limit his definition of science to natural sciences. He expands the concept to include social sciences, such as sociology, economics, and political science, which have evolved in response to the needs and demands of different societies. He examines how philosophy, religion, psychology, and education have contributed to and been shaped by scientific thinking.

• The Role of Science in Modern Society:
  At the core of the book, Bernal raises a critical question: Has humanity, in its pursuit of scientific knowledge, developed the societal maturity necessary to use this knowledge responsibly? He warns that without proper societal and moral frameworks, the tremendous achievements of science could be misused.

• Global Impact:
  The book has had a profound influence on the global understanding of science. It urges readers to appreciate the contributions of different civilizations to the scientific enterprise and to understand the social and political contexts in which science is practiced.

• Bernal’s Legacy:
  Bernal, a renowned British physicist, was not only a pioneer in crystallography but also an active promoter of socialism and peace movements. His work is a call to integrate scientific progress with social responsibility, and to ensure that the advancements of science serve humanity rather than disrupt it.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of science, its social implications, and the cross-cultural roots of modern scientific thought. It offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking view of science as a human endeavor that is inseparable from society and culture.