Dinner Party

Vesalius

Harvey

Galen

Descartes

Galileo

Copernicus

Siena kim

Scientific Revolution Dinner Party

Sir Isaac Newton

Ptolemy

Francis Bacon: Host

King Charles II

Aristotle

SEating Chart

Siena Kim

Scientific Revolution Dinner Party

The table has a long rectangular shape so that there can be two main places of honor for the host, Francis Bacon and the royal guest, King Charles II. This type of table was typical in this time period and would have allowed for easy conversation across the table and to people sitting next to each other.

Table design

The main dish served at the Scientific Revolution Dinner Party would be a pigeon pie. In 17th century England, pigeon pie was popular to all. It was served at royal banquets for dinners. 17th century cookbooks reveal that game pies such as these were a culinary staple in Europe.

Menu

Galen

Conversation: Galen would discuss the four humours of blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm. He would ask about the new findings in human anatomy and would be shocked to learn of Vesalius and Harvey's studies on human cadavers. He would talk about his work in studying the anatomy of animals to gain empirical evidence for his anatomical model.Quote to Vesalius: "The best physician is also a philosopher" while we dedicate much of our time and study to that of anatomy and physiology, it is important to also think on the capabilities of the human mind. Both studies must go hand in hand for the scientific progress of humanity. Seating: Vesalius is sat in between Harvey and Vesalius so that an interesting debate can occur. Much of Harvey and Vesalius' works proved Galen wrong and they would likely discuss these inconsistencies. Vesalius and Galen had very different views on the study of corpses. While Vesalius saw it as necessary for anatomical understanding, Galen saw it as unnatural and avoided the practice. Because of these differences they might have a clash of morals and speak on this.

Ptolemy

Conversation: As the oldest of the dinner guests, Ptolemy would be asking a lot of questions about the new developments in the world of science. He would talk about his creation of the Ptolemaic system that placed the Earth at the center of the universe and would debate Copernicus, alongside Aristotle about the heliocentric model. Quote to Aristotle: "The soul of the wise man assists the work of the stars" we both have dedicated our lives to the advancement of astronomical knowledge. Though now we are confronted by the presence of a heliocentric model, our work cannot be discounted. Seating: Ptolemy is sat close to the astronomers at the table, Aristotle and Copernicus. The similarities between Aristotle and Ptolemy's views on the geocentric model of the universe would have clashed with Copernicus' heliocentric model and an interesting debate would have taken place. Ptolemy is sat near King Charles II because I think it that their interaction would have been interesting due to the historical importance of Ptolemy's scientificwork and Charles' interest in the sciences.

Vesalius

Conversation: Vesalius would talk about his studies on the human cadaver. This would be rather shocking to many guests present as it was taboo for a while. He would talk about his corrections on Galen's anatomical model. He would also promote his textbook on human anatomy as a result of his scientific method. Quote to Galen: "I am not accustomed to saying anything with certainty after only one or two observations" After much trial and error, I have discovered that many of your findings were incorrect. For your time and with your resources, your contributions to the field of anatomy were great but now we are aware of some of your shortcomings. Seating: Vesalius is sat next to Galen because of their similar fields and also because of their differing opinions on human anatomy. Much of Vesalius' work was corrections to the work of Galen and because of this, their conversation might have clashed. Despite this, an interesting scientific discussion would have taken place that was conducive to the purpose of the dinner.

King Charles II of England

Royal Guest: King Charles II was invited by Francis Bacon to the dinner party because King Charles II was the major patron to the Royal Society of which Bacon was an integral part of. Isaac Newton would have been excited to see King Charles II since Newton was president of the Society at one point. William Harvey also would have been excited to see him since he was the royal physician for the king's father. The other scientists at the table would likely not have a problem with Charles but the more ancient figures may not see him as being as relevant as others might have.Conversation: King Charles II would discuss his aspirations and plans for the Royal Society of London and his work in expanding the Society's capabilities through funding. He would talk to Newton about the progress of the Society and maybe invite other scientists at the table to join. Quote to Sir Isaac Newton: Ever since I was young I have had such a fascination for the sciences. I am glad that I am able to do my part in the revolution now taking place in the world of science through people like yourself as part of our Royal Society of London. Seating: The King is sat at the end of the table to reflect his high status. This would have been the position of honor at the table across from the host, Francis Bacon. From here he would have been able to observe all conversations and contribute to them. He is sat next to Sir Isaac Newton because of their similar involvement in the Royal Society of London.

Rene Descartes

Conversation: Descartes would mainly talk to Francis Bacon, who created the scientific method, something that Descartes would have taken interest in. Descartes also believed in the use of scientific proof to advance human knowledge but believed in the rationality of the human mind instead of the importance of experience as Bacon believed. This would likely have been a point of heavy discussion. This would likely be a rather civil conversation with both eager to learn what the other believes. Quote from Descartes to Bacon: "Except in our own thoughts, there is nothing absolutely in our power" we must not underestimate the power of the human mind and it's rationality. You must agree that man's mind is the reason for its ability to carry out the scientific method which you strongly advocate for. Seating: Descartes is sat next to Francis Bacon due to the similarities in their field of study. Both would agree on the importance of the study of the natural world and would be able to discuss the differences and similarities in their respective methods for that study. Similarly, Galileo would have been a strong proponent for this type of study as well as could join in on the conversation as he is sat next to Descartes.

Galileo

Conversation: Galileo would talk about his new discoveries in astronomoy. He might try to convince his dinner companions of the the telescope, an instrument greatly advanced by Galileo himself. He would have much to talk about with Copernicus, whose heliocentric model Galileo worked to bring into the public conscience. Galileo might also talk about his discoveries in the science of motion. HIs conversation with Copernicus would likely be one of admiration and great interest. Quote to Copernicus: "Passion is the genesis of genius" your genius has produced the theory of heliocentric that I have now dedicated my life to. Though I have been persecuted by the church for our beliefs, our passion for our work and the truth is meaningful. Seating: Galileo's position at the dinner table is mainly due to his overlap with Copernicus in heliocentrism and the study of astronomy. They would have had much to discuss about Galileo's advancement in the field since the time of Copernicus. Galileo was also a strong proponent of scientific study which is why he would be sat close to Descartes and Bacon.

William Harvey

Conversation: William Harvey would talk about his studies in blood circulation. He would debate Galen about human anatomy and teach him about the role of arteries and veins in circulating blood from the heart instead of from the liver. He would talk to King Charles II about the Royal Society and about his father King Charles I for whom he was the royal physician. He would have also discussed the witch hunts with his fellow scientists and the importance of using rationalism. He also would talk to Francis Bacon about his health since Bacon was one of his patients. Quote to Galen: "All we know is still infinitely less than all that still remains unknown" while we know now that the four humours do not play such a role in human anatomy that you thought, there is likely still much that I am missing in the mysteries of anatomical science. Seating: Harvey is sat next to Galen and near Vesalius since they had a similar field of study in anatomy and physiology. Harvey represents one of the more modern and correct scientists at the table and he will be able to discuss the new findings in science with the ancient guests like Galen, Ptolemy, and Aristotle.

Aristotle

Conversation: As the inventor of formal logic, Aristotle would have had much to discuss with all of th emembers of the table, especially Sir Isaac Newton who used induction and deduction in his studies. His efforts in the field of astronomy would have been most relevant to Ptolemy, Copernicus, and Galileo. Aristotle would discuss the geocentric model developed by Ptolemy which he believed in. He and Ptolemy would debte Copernicus over their opposing models. Aristotle would learn from Newton how the bodies of the universe are organized so orderly. Quote to Copernicus: "All knowledge should be subject to examination and reason" upon learning of the new evidence which you and Sir Isaac Newton have presented to me during this dinner, I can see that my findings must be subjected to new examination. We must look at both of our models with such scientific reasoning to truly understand our world through astronomy. Seating: Aristotle is seated next to Copernicus because of their opposing views on astronomy. It would have been interesting to see if Aristotle might have been convinced of the heliocentric model or if he would have insisted on the Ptolemaic model. He is seated near Ptolemy since much of his findings were drawn from his astronomical model. Aristotle is placed next to Sir Isaac Newton because Newton made a lot of the discoveries which supported the workings of the heliocentric model.

Sir Isaac Newton

Conversation: Sir Isaac Newton discovered the laws of gravitation. This would have been a major topic of discussion at the dinner as it represented one of the major breakthroughs in the scientific revolution that all the guests were a part of. He would have been very interested in talking to Aristotle about causality which greatly influenced his work. He would be able to discuss the mathematics of motion which would have been greatly relevant to the astronomers near him at the dinner table. Quote to Aristotle: "No great discovery was ever made without a bold guess.” We both wondered what allowed the universe to be structured in the way it was. With my bold guess, I have uncovered the glue of the universe which is gravity. It is much thanks to your work that I have been inspired to pursue this scientific field. Seating: Sir Isaac Newton is located next to Aristotle and Ptolemy so that he could discuss the models of the universe and to explain to them the mathematic workings of physics and astronomy. He is sat by King Charles II so that he can talk to him about the Royal Society of London of which Newton was president. They would have shared similar interests in the furthering of scientific research in England.

Copernicus

Conversation: Copernicus would have had a lot to talk about with Galileo who drew on a lot of Copernicus' ideas about the heliocentric layout of the universe. During his time, his ideas weren't widely accepted and he would be interested to know how his ideas had been improved upon later in time but still meeting resistance from the Church. Additionally, he would debate Aristotle on the heliocentric model vs Aristotle's belief in the geocentric Ptolemaic model. Copernicus would also talk to Galileo about his extensive tables from which Galileo referenced. Quote to Aristotle: "To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge" For your time you brought great advancements to the field of astronomy, but now we know what we know which is that the sun is at the center of our universe. Though I agree with you on the presence of epicycles, it is clear from scientific observation, that heliocentrism is the correct way. Seating: Copernicus is sat next to Galileo because Galileo would have liked to discuss with Copernicus about the heliocentric model and about the works of Copernicus that influenced him. He is sat next to Aristotle because it would have been interesting see their interaction based on their different ideas of astronomy. A debate likely would have taken place which would be conducive to the intellectual discourse that the dinner would have been seeking.

Francis Bacon: Host

Francis Bacon is hosting the dinner party. He was chosen as host because as the developer of the scientific method and father of empiricism, he had an inquisitive mind that would've liked to bring together all the leading thinkers to have scientific discourse. Conversation: Bacon would likely talk to Descartes about the advantages of inductive reasoning over deductive reasoning which Descartes favored. Bacon would argue the importance of observations of the natural world. He would be interested in the pursuits of Vesalius in the analysis of cadavers. Vesalius' use of the empirical method, which was developed by Bacon would have been a subject of discussion as well. Quote to Descartes: "Knowledge is power" you and I both know this and the use of my empirical method has served us both well in our separate pursuits. I must insist, though, the supremacy of inductive reasoning as a method to build upon our knowledge of the world. We cannot trust in the generalities of the deductive method. Seating: Francis Bacon is sat at the head of the table, opposite to the seat of King Charles II. He is placed at the head as a demonstration of his importance to the gathering and also because it would allow him to best coordinaated conversation. With this location, he would be able to pay attention to all conversations and organize discussion if needed.