Pythagorean Philolaus’ pyrocentric universe: its significance and contribution to astronomy and astrophysics
In this work, first, I reexamine the pyrocentric universe of the Pythagorean, Philolaus, who emphatically propounded that the center of the cosmos is neither the earth nor the sun, but a central fiery hearth that stands in the middle of the spherical universe. Second, I attempt to demonstrate the value and significance of this pyrocentric cosmic model by elaborating its novel revolutionary elements and its contribution to astronomy. Third, by underlining the diachroneity and timeliness of this cosmic model, I try to establish as to how the model served as a precursor to not only the ancient and modern heliocentric models, as widely believed, but also as much to the contemporary cosmic models and theories of astrophysics.
Conference:
History of Science in Practice
Themes:
Appraising what a History of Science Museum can offer to the public
Inquiring what to preserve and how from contemporary scientific heritage
Date:
Thu, 06/05/2010 - 17:30 - 17:50
Venue:
Lecture Room
Details on speaker(s):
Yiorgo Maniatis 

