The age of power: science and globalisation in the 18th century

Aims 

This course aims to help you 

1. Gain a greater understanding of the English Enlightenment.  
2. Appreciate the close links between scientific and commercial interests. 
3. Place the 18th century within the context of British imperialism. 

Content 

“Knowledge is Power”: the dictum of Elizabethan philosopher Francis Bacon inspired many generations of British researchers, fuelling not only their experimental approach towards the world but also their expansionist ambitions. Far from being an abstract intellectual exercise, science was rooted in political and commercial interests, relying mainly on private initiative and investment with relatively little support from government financing. By the end of the 18th century, Newtonian science had eclipsed its competitors, British industry was booming and the nation’s territorial possessions were spreading around the world. Although the term “scientist” had not yet been coined, this was a crucial foundational period for modern scientific society. These talks explore ways in which power was harnessed in bids for technological progress, economic gain and global influence. Drawing liberally on art, literature and politics, they demonstrate that scientific achievements are inseparable from their cultural context. 

Presentation of the course 

Each session will consist of an illustrated lecture, but free discussion will also play an important part. 

Class sessions 

1. Gravity: The Newtonian Empire
   Newton’s ideas underpinned a worldview characterised by central control, uniformity and mathematization – Newtonian imperialism. Metaphorically, Britain lay at the hub of a global system, dominating the world by importing unprocessed materials and exporting the products of civilization, including scientific knowledge. Furthermore, as head of the Royal Mint for 30 years, Newton profited from the triangular trade in gold, sugar and enslaved peoples. After he described the cosmos in equations, the Enlightenment faith spread that numbers are what count: quantification now also embraced the natural and the human worlds. 
2. Electricity: Revolutionary Sparks 
   Electrical machines were the most exciting invention of the 18th century – ‘An Entertainment for Angels,’ enthused one fictional young woman. Initially, these powerful new instruments produced, stored and discharged static electricity, but in 1800 the first battery appeared that could generate a continuous current. Electrical experts earned money through their dazzling performances, but they also promised humanitarian benefits, such as medical cures and agricultural improvements. Particularly through association with Benjamin Franklin, electricity came to symbolise a revolutionary and more democratic future. 
3. Steam: The Lunar Society of Birmingham 
   Steam engines were first used in Cornish mines, but during the 18th century they were recruited to power Midlands machines. The Lunar Society – an informal group of 12 inventors, factory owners, doctors and social reformers – met to exchange ideas every month. They are credited with making England the first European country to embark on industrialization by introducing mechanization, embracing science and developing efficient transport networks. Several members were also politically active, campaigning to abolish international slavery, expand women’s education and improve working conditions.  
4. Empire: Exploration or Exploitation? 
   The 18th century is often called the Age of Discovery, but many apparently scientific voyages of exploration were also motivated by ambitions to acquire natural resources, secure foreign territory and establish trade deals and markets for British goods. Global ecology altered irreversibly as crops, animals and plants were transported around the world. As a case study, this lecture focuses on Joseph Banks, the botanist who sailed to Australia with James Cook and ruled the Royal Society for 42 years: he exemplifies British ambitions and the power of royal patronage. 
5. Life: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein 
   Often said to be the first work of science fiction, Frankenstein provides an extended and subtle commentary on science’s influence over society and the ethical problems that arise. The book originated as a ghost story, but developed to include the latest scientific topics including polar exploration, electricity and chemistry. Extremely well-informed, Mary Shelley also drew on other fields to consider central questions that remain unresolved – the nature of life, the distinctions between people and animals, and the moral price of progress. 

Learning outcomes 

The learning outcomes for this course are: 

1. Bringing greater critical awareness to historical accounts. 
2. Appreciating the importance of history for modern debates. 
3. Recognising the significance of images as sources of information. 

Typical week: Monday to Friday

Courses run from Monday to Friday. For each week of study, you select a morning (Am) course and an afternoon (Pm) course. The maximum class size is 25 students. 

Courses are complemented by a series of daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.

Evaluation and Academic Credit 

If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses. 

Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £75 per essay.

For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.

Certificate of attendance

A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically after the programme.