In this episode, we conclude our examination of cartography in the Roman Empire by looking at the development of itineraries and travel maps from the period of the late Antonines to the Byzantine Empire. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link One of the Vicarellos Cups Continue reading

For many of the crew of the Scientific Odyssey, the next couple of weeks promises to be stressful with the coming US Presidential elections, a rising number of CoVID-19 cases, and many difficult decisions related to school, work, and family. To help give folks a respite from the stormy seas... Continue reading

In this anniversary celebration of our journey, we turn the canvas over to other voices to explore the intersection between inquiry in the sciences and the humanities. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Continue reading

In this episode, we look at applying the tools of good critical thinking and skepticism to analyzing conspiracy theories. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Continue reading

In this episode of our series on "Science as Inquiry" we look at those things that keep people from engaging in good critical thinking practices and how to overcome them. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Continue reading

"The fox knows many little things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing."-Archilochus We trace this quote from the Archaic Greek poet through the work of the philosopher Isaac Berlin to see how it applied to create good practices of critical thinking. Characteristics include having an inquiry focus, being flexible,... Continue reading

In this episode we broaden our focus to consider critical thinking in a more comprehensive way by looking at what it is, why its such a valuable habit of mind to have and what types of activities contribute to making it such a powerful process. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts... Continue reading

One of the pillars of the Roman Republic and Empire was its ability to survey, divide, assign and tax land. In this episode of the podcast, we look at processes, people and tools that made such precise surveying possible. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Example of a Groma Continue reading

Wherein your Navigator discusses the CoVID-19 virus, the global pandemic, how public health and public policy response is formulated, and how to engage with the information and misinformation that's coming through various media channels. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Link to Washington Post story using simulations to illustrate effects... Continue reading

In this episode, we trace the development of roads from their pre-historic roots (or routes) to the development of the massive arterial network of the Roman Empire. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Continue reading

Some recent media accounts have speculated that the red supergiant star in the constellation of Orion is about to explode in a cataclysmic supernova based on recent observations of the star's dimming brightness. We examine the evidence and offer a different explanation. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link An infrared... Continue reading

In this episode, we trace the development of Hellenistic geography from the work of Polybius, through Strabo, to its conclusion with Claudius Ptolemaeus. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Strabo Ptolemy's 2nd (Conic) Projection Ptolemy's 3rd Projection Continue reading

In this episode we examine the development of a more empirically based geography in the Hellenistic period from the voyage of Pytheas to the map of Eratosthenes. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Pytheas Continue reading

For 220 years, the Cassini family was among the most powerful and influential scientific dynasties of Europe. In we look at their work and lives in the period of Louis XIV, the sun King, through the end of the Bourbon monarchy. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Continue reading

Beginning with Homer's Iliad, we look at the development of Greek geographical models of the Earth through the Classical Period. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link A rendition of the Shield of Achilles Continue reading

In this episode we look at cartography in the ancient cultures around the Mediterranean Basin with an eye to understanding the role and purpose of maps and mapping. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link The Stone Etching of the Bedolina Map A Schematic Representation of the Etchings Found in the... Continue reading

We explore the connection between maps and other cultural ideas and technologies such as language, writing and time to see how the physical artifacts arise out of abstract conceptual constructs. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link A Sample Compass Rose Continue reading

In this episode, we discuss the development and use of basic navigational tools and how they lead to map knowledge in ancient cultures. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Continue reading

Wherein we look at mapping as a human activity and begin our exploration of the evidence of the earliest maps known. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Rock Art from Southern Turkey Continue reading

In this episode, we interview Dr. Todd Timberlake about his forthcoming book, "Finding Our Place in the Solar System: A Scientific View of the Copernican Revolution." The book is published by Cambridge University Press and will be available on March 28th, 2019. Dr. Timberlake's educational materials cane found at: https://sites.berry.edu/ttimberlake/teaching/copernican-revolution/... Continue reading

Wherein we prepare to once again slip our lines in search of new knowledge. We discuss the effects of modern technologies and what is gained and lost in their use. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Continue reading

In the years between 1840 and 1866, a debate took place between William Whewell and the philosopher and politician John Stuart Mill over the nature of scientific inquiry and moral philosophy at a time of great social change in Britain. In this episode we discuss the the various pictures of... Continue reading

Our 2018 Christmas episode: In 1851, Dr. William Whewell gave the inaugural lecture of a series reflecting on the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. This is a reading of that lecture. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Crystal Palace of the Great Exhibition Interior of Crystal Palace William Whewell,... Continue reading

An examination of the scientific contributions of William Whewell through the early and middle parts of his career. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link A link to "The Complete Collection of the English Poems which have Obtained the Chancellor's Medal at Cambridge University" in which one can find Whewell's "Boadicea" Continue reading

A look at the early life of the scholar and natural philosopher William Whewell. We all look at the dynamics of what it's like to be a first generation college student through the poetry of Edward Whitelock and the experiences of the podcast producer. Direct Download Link Apple Podcasts Link Continue reading