Science, Civilization and Society

Science and civilization are Siamese twins. Energy grids, transport infrastructure, the financial system, all the structures that allow civilization to exist are based on scientific research; nuclear particle accelerators, genome depositories, space telescopes, all the tools of modern science can only be provided by advanced civilization. Yet the histories of science and civilization are written in separate books, and descriptions of their evolution through time ignore the history of their interdependence. This book chronicles the history of science and civilizations as a process of continuous interaction over 5000 years, from the beginning of civilization to today. It demonstrates that science is not the result of unfocussed curiosity but develops in response to the needs of society and is shaped by the changing character of society. The discussion follows the development of science in civilizations on all continents, from Asia, the Middle East and the Americas to the Muslim empires, European enlightenment and the USA. It ends with an outlook on the role of science in a global world threatened by environmental degradation and climate change.