S4 Ep 3 - Simon Schaffer on 'Leviathan and the Air-Pump: 40 years later' (Part 2)

The HPS Podcast - Conversations from History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science

This episode forms Part 2 of our extended interview with the celebrated historian of science, and master communicator, Professor Simon Schaffer.

Today, we continue to focus our discussion on the book Simon co-wrote with Steven Shapin in the early 1980s, Leviathan and the Air-Pump. Simon reveals fascinating insights into the production of the book, including his many deep dives into rare books collections, as well as the back and forth of typewritten pages between Simon in London and Steven in Edinburgh.
Simon also talks about the rise to prominence of the publication, highlighting the crucial role of other well known HPS figures. At the end of the interview, Simon offers a series of reflections on the future of our wonderful field.
A full transcript of the episode can be accessed here: https://www.hpsunimelb.org/post/s4-ep-3-simon-schaffer-on-leviathan-and-the-air-pump-40-years-later-part-2

Relevant links:

• Leviathan and the Air-Pump | Princeton University Press
• Introduction to the 2011 Edition of Leviathan and the Air-Pump
• Simon Schaffer (cambridge.uk)
• Steven Shapin (harvard.edu)

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This podcast would not be possible without the support of School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne and the Hansen Little Public Humanities Grant scheme.

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