Review: Social History of Truth – A Look into Civility and Science in 17th Century England
This book, Social History of Truth: Civility and Science in Seventeenth-Century England, is an insightful exploration of the origins of English civility, science, and the politics of truth. Written by historian Alan Macfarlane, this work offers readers an in-depth look at how these forces shaped the development of England during this critical period. The author provides a comprehensive account of the intellectual, religious and political milieu that influenced scientific inquiry and the emergence of a new form of social order. Through his analysis of primary sources and secondary literature, Macfarlane illuminates how seventeenth-century English society used knowledge to move from medieval feudalism to modernity. This book will be essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the foundations of modernity in England.
Based on strong evidence and argumentation, Macfarlane convincingly demonstrates how civility and science played a crucial role in reshaping English society during the seventeenth century. Furthermore, he examines how religious ideas were used to establish authority and legitimacy over competing claims to knowledge and truth. By exploring the tensions between traditional beliefs and emerging forms of scientific inquiry, Social History of Truth provides readers with a deeper appreciation of the complex history of England.