William Whewell - James Griffin

  • Birth

  • Richard Whately becomes archbishop of Dublin

    Whately is one of the notable "deductive savages" who rivaled Whewell. He was a "Fellow" of Oriel College in Oxford and I added him to demonstrate the esteemed offices held by some of Whewell's publicly known opponents. These two duked it out through published articles and eventually the following books Whewell published in his attempt to spread the, "true faith". Reference: Snyder, Laura J. Reforming Philosophy: A Victorian Debate on Science and Society, University of Chicago Press, 2006.
  • The Great Tide Experiment

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7oTPkXzF1Q An incredible feat for the time, Whewell was able to coordinate hundreds of volunteers across the world to make local observations on their tides. Resulting with upwards of one million data points, the fact that he was able to get that much speaks volumes on his ability and scientific tenacity to coordinate a science experiment. He labels his help, "subordinate laborers" which isn't very nice, but maybe he thought they were all deductive thinkers.
  • Published "History of the Inductive Sciences"

    Whewell utilizes ancient Greek essays as starting point for a history of the physical sciences that culminates with the mechanics, astronomy, and chemistry of (his) modern day. This is one of his most famous works for his pursuit to reform inductive philosophy in line with the influences of Sir Francis Bacon. A heated topic at the time when many others (in prominent positions of influence) were set in the ways of deductive thinking. Reference: Cambridge University Press
  • Published "Philosophy of Inductive Sciences"

    Continuing from his three-volume work "History...", where he laid out his factual argument, Whewell now lays down his moral argument in favor of inductive scientific processes. Beginning his book with, "Man is the Interpreter of Nature, Science the right interpretation", you can get a sense of how he's trying to invoke a sense of pride from human nature to empower people to adjust their thinking. Maybe he's secular? I couldn't find any writings on that. Reference: Cambridge University Press
  • Death