Selections from Kepler's Astronomia Nova: A Science Classics Module for Humanities Studies

I so enjoyed this book! It was wonderful to read the greatest work of Johannes Kepler in his own words. I found his writing earnest, defiant, strikingly informal, down-to-earth, and brilliant. The selected excerpts from Astronomia Nova are a terrific way to understand Kepler's accomplishments -- with lots of helpful and thoughtful annotations by translator William Donahue. Lots of detailed geometry and diagrams, for those who are interested.From Socrates to Ptolemy to Islamic astronomers to Copernicus to Brahe, circular planetary orbits were held sacrosanct for over a millennium. Using the observational data of Tycho Brahe and his own ingenious geometric models, Kepler showed they were all wrong: planetary orbits are elliptical. In this translation of his book, we see Kepler's thought processes, ingenious geometric constructs, and persistence.Kepler was devoutly religious and a fiercely independent thinker. In this book, we see his arguments against taking biblical passages too literally. And we see his courageous defense of the Sun-centered solar system of Copernicus: " . . . while in theology it is authority that carries the most weight, in philosophy (physical science) it is reason . . . the Inquisition nowadays is pious, which . . . denies (earth's) motion. To me, however, the truth is more pious still . . "Even though Kepler's magnetic, spinning Sun as the source of planetary motion is wrong, it is still a milestone in science. Here was the first attempt (as far as I know) to explain the physical cause behind the motions of planets -- presaging the work of Isaac Newton.And we get to read about it all -- his assertions and his doubts -- from Kepler himself. What a privilege.

The editor's background material is not really enough for grasping Kepler's mathematical points (the selection is "for Humanities Studies"), but we get enough to enjoy his style of reasoning -- and polemic. It is still common for the preface of a scientific book to give advice to readers, on how to connect mentally with new material, but Kepler gives separate "Advice to astronomers" and "Advice to Idiots", which would well be taken by today's creationists.

Difficult to read but altered my perception on everything

I love using this as one of my required texts for the History and Philosophy of Science course I teach. It's great at introducing Kepler's work to first time readers and it also has primary sections from his work. What's best is that you can guide your students through these prime selections without having to lose them in mathematics. And if you are so inclined, and it's worth the try, there are some problems you can tackle and you only need a limited amount of geometry.I also recommend it if you're just into the history of science.

Bought this book for my husband who teaches astronomy and physics. He says it has given him great insight into the roots of what he now teaches.