The principle of popularization of energy

• Autores: Nemrod Carrasco, Enric Pérez Canals
• Localización: The Circulation of Science and Technology: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference of the European Society for the History of Science. Barcelona, 18-20 November 2010 / coord. por Antoni M. Roca Rosell, 2012, ISBN 978-84-9965-108-8, págs. 1065-1070
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • We will examine the emergence of the principle of conservation of energy and its relation to the rise of science popularization.

    On the one hand, the principle of conservation of energy is an uncommon example of widespread and simultaneous discovery. In fact, more than ten authors can be mentioned as discoverers or inventors of this fundamental principle, all during the middle of the 19th century. Although its genesis was closely related to research on the nature of heat, energy conservation did not arise to solve any specific age-old problem, nor did it belong to any specific theory. However, once firmly established, it has grown to become one of the most unquestioned principles of science.

    On the other hand, popular science publishing underwent a notable, if not a radical transformation in the second half of the 19th century. Not only did this consist of a quantitative increase in scientific content; there was a significant qualitative change as well. In the 20th century, especially after World War II, popularization experienced again a radical change. Today, mention in the media of new scientific advances is far from scarce.

    In all of this proliferation the concept of ‘energy’ plays a crucial role. Moreover, its use has grown beyond scientific spheres, and we can now find it even in the most varied contexts. ‘Energy’ has become a ubiquitous word.

    Is ‘energy’ an especially well-suited concept for popularizing purposes? It has been stated that the concept of energy had already existed in the minds of some of the authors involved prior to its ‘discovery’ as a metaphysical concept. Therefore, is this a case where society at large has come to influence technical and specialized research? Influences in both directions will be considered.