George Sarton (1884–1956): zakladatel oboru dějiny vědy
George Sarton (1884–1956): the Founder of the History of Science Branch

Summary/Abstract: Beside the main aim of present paper, i.e. to delineate life and work of George Sarton (1884–1956), was to determine (according to George Sarton) the relations between history of science and other spheres of human spiritual and intellectual world (religion, technology, visual and decorative art) and between above mentioned discipline and civilization as such. Science as “systematized positive knowledge” – in Sarton’s view – has the power to be indefinitely open to changes as well as to be truly cumulative and progressive as the only human activity. Therefore its place within the civilization is of high importance. According to that position a history of science is relevant as well. From this point of view fate of civilization is depended on the development of science or onto her stagnation or decline. History of science helps to understand the human position within the world and “to increase our part in the cosmic evolution”. This paper was focused also on Sarton’s concept of “new humanism” bridging the gap between the exact and natural sciences on one side and humanities on the other one. Sarton’s aim was to make a place for a mutual understanding and co-operation of different scientific approaches. It is the history of science, which has a task to fulfill this mission.

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