Theoretical Science Essay

Science in the ancient world was a complex concept. There was a varied, and at times mixed, emphasis on the mythical, or theoretical, and practical components of science, depending upon where the “science” was practised. Theoretical science, as described by Peter Dear, is abstracted practice, while practical science is applied theory. Whilst, the ancient Greeks generally placed more emphasis on theory, the ancient Egyptians generally took knowledge and applied it in a practical manner. Most leading Greek intellectuals practised theoretical science. Aristotle, for example, referred to science as epistēmē, scientia in Latin. This definition “designated logically and empirically demonstrable knowledge of truth,” meaning it was a theoretical

These intellectuals only resorted to theoretical components for aspects of science that were not well understood at the time. For example, the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus, named for the archæologist who purchased the ancient-Egyptian scroll, consists of a front side of many practical medicinal practices, such as the case of the hidden skull fracture. In this instance, the scroll suggests that the physician probes for the point of throbbing and fluttering. Subsequently, the physician places oil on the wound and waits for a turning point, such as death or recovery. This method of procedure differs greatly from that of the ancient Greeks, who would probably have used the humoural system to cure the patient. Nevertheless, the ancient Egyptians turned to spells and potions to avert illnesses, as seen on the reverse side of the papyrus. For instance, in the case of fever, the patient cast the following spell: “I am sound in the path of those who pass by. So, shall I be hit while sound? I have seen the great tempest. You fever, don’t push into me! I am one who escaped from tempest. Be far from me!” Egyptians, therefore, practised practical science for what they could see and understand, whilst practising theoretical science for what was not well

The most notable factors that account for the intellectuals’ study of either practical or theoretical science derives from the government and religion to which the intellectuals belonged. For instance, Aristotle was not able to dissect and study humans because such action was contemptible in Ancient Greece. As a result, Aristotle and fellow intellectuals were incapable of accurately treating many human illnesses, in addition to accurately mapping the human body. On the contrary, such action seemed not only acceptable in ancient Egypt but also necessary. As mummification was the practice used for the interment of the dead, it was requisite that the morticians knew how the human body functioned in order to successfully fulfill their duty. Furthermore, although both societies used religion in their science practices, the ancient Greeks relied more upon it. Galen, for instance, believed in divine intervention in medicine. This disparity in interference may be connected to the traditions of the religion. The humoural system connected a person’s personality with the alignment of the stars and the balance of his or her humours. Consequently, society’s government and religion had significant roles in determining the type of scientific components of intellectuals in the ancient