Ptolemy and Scientific Method: A Note on the History of an Idea

this may sound to those accustomed to think of history's principal task as that of providing an escape from dogmatism by means of historical relativism. Still, it should surprise no one that both continuity and change should have their roots in history. And, if this is so, then part of the solution of the present dilemma of relativistic science surely rests with the study of the history of science. We return to our starting point. Current interest in the history of science is a reaction to, or better, a corrective of, the contemporary philosophical doctrine of relativism. The historian of science makes common cause with the philosopher of science in tackling the problem of contemporary relativism. Each seeks in history that unifying purpose which science must fulfill if it is to rescue us from the disintegrating effects of scepticism.