Science and the State
From the Scientific Revolution to World War II

The first historical overview of the partnership between science and the state from the Scientific Revolution to World War II.

John Gascoigne (Author)

9781316609385, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 21 March 2019

262 pages, 9 b/w illus.
22.8 x 15.3 x 1.3 cm, 0.44 kg

'Not only will students and the general reader profit from Gascoigne's thoughtful and readable introductory study on science-state relations; so too will professional historians of science. I strongly recommend it to all.' David Cahan, Isis

Was it coincidence that the modern state and modern science arose at the same time? This overview of the relations of science and state from the Scientific Revolution to World War II explores this issue, synthesising a range of approaches from history and political theory. John Gascoigne argues the case for an ongoing mutual dependence of the state and science in ways which have promoted the consolidation of both. Drawing on a wide body of scholarship, he shows how the changing functions of the state have brought a wider engagement with science, while the possibilities that science make available have increased the authority of the state along with its prowess in war. At the end of World War II, the alliance between science and state was securely established and, Gascoigne argues, is still firmly embodied in the post-war world.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. The Renaissance monarchy
3. Absolutism
4. Rivals to absolutism
5. Revolution, reaction and reform, 1776–1850
6. An expanding state, 1850–1914
7. From war to war, 1914–45
8. Science, the state and globalisation
Epilogue
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX], General & world history [HBG], History [HB]