Galileo Galilei, a pivotal figure of the Italian Renaissance, is often viewed through various lenses: as a theorist, astronomer, physicist, and more. This book focuses on his engineering activities, aiming to unify his diverse identities and present a more cohesive understanding of his scientific contributions within their historical context.
The Structures of Practical Knowledge explores the nature of practical knowledge, focusing on its codification and structural organization through fifteen case studies spanning early modern Italy to eighteenth-century China. Each study shares a definition of practical knowledge as essential for achieving specific outcomes, whether related to art, healing, or mathematics. While the content varies, all practical knowledge adheres to a defined workflow, evident in procedures, recipes, or algorithms. The volume examines practical knowledge at three levels: individual workflows, external codification in texts and artifacts, and the influence of social structures on dissemination and evolution. Professionals and institutions play a crucial role in codifying knowledge, shaping new structures through selection and development. On a broader scale, these new knowledge structures contribute to the advancement of scientific understanding. Rich in content and theory, this work significantly enhances the history of science and epistemology. The fifteen case studies, which cover diverse fields such as architecture, mining, and astronomy, present original research and fresh insights, ultimately reshaping historical epistemology by revealing knowledge structures that connect practitioners across different times and disciplines.