Science, technology, and the preservation of knowledge

The central question

What makes knowledge reliable, and how can it outlive its makers?

What we will explore

• What counts as knowledge; observation, explanation, evidence; distinctions and interactions between science and technology
• Apprenticeship, writing, records, and shared knowledge; one everyday claim examined through evidence

By the end of the lecture

Explain why a plausible claim needs evidence, and why societies need ways to preserve and challenge knowledge.

Read the lecture

A continuous, illustrated reading of Lecture 1, with explanations, historical examples, and review answers.

Lecture slides

The complete 49-slide presentation, including review answers and reference material.