Anton Pannekoek's research on the structure of the universe
Anton Pannekoek was a man of many talents. He was a pioneer of Dutch astronomy and astrophysics, a well respected historian of astronomy, and one of the main figures of the international socialist movement. Pannekoek maintained that his scientific work was strictly separated from his socialist philosophy. However, when we focus on his `epistemic virtues’, i.e. the norms by which he believed one could come to knowledge, a more unified picture may emerge. I will illustrate this point by addressing Pannekoek’s innovative methods for researching the structure of the galaxy.
Chao Kang Tai — Institute for History and Foundations of Science, Utrecht University
Friday 26 April 2013, 15:00
Location: C4.174