Laura Snyder: The Philosophical Breakfast Club

The video explores the historical evolution of the term 'scientist' and the impact of the Philosophical Breakfast Club, a group of four influential men who revolutionized science in the 19th century. They advocated for the inductive scientific method, promoted science for public good, and established new scientific institutions. Their efforts led to the professionalization of science, the inclusion of women, and the introduction of external funding. However, an unintended consequence was the growing divide between science and the general public.

Who coined the term 'scientist' during the 1833 meeting?

• Charles Babbage

• John Herschel

• Samuel Taylor Coleridge

• William Whewell

Which of the following was NOT one of the four men who met at Cambridge University in 1812?

• Richard Jones

• Samuel Taylor Coleridge

• John Herschel

• Charles Babbage

What method did the philosophical breakfast club advocate for in scientific research?

• Deductive method

• Inductive method

• Experimental method

• Theoretical method

What was the primary purpose of Babbage's difference engine?

• To compute mathematical tables accurately

• To process photographic images

• To calculate tidal patterns

• To map the stars

Which society was the first to admit women as full members?

• The Philosophical Society

• The British Association

• The Cambridge Society

• The Royal Society of London

What was the role of women in the early meetings of the British Association?

• They led scientific sessions

• They attended public lectures and social events

• They were not allowed to attend

• They were full members

What was the main reason Babbage's engines were not built during his lifetime?

• Lack of funding

• Public skepticism about their usefulness

• Competition from other inventors

• Technical difficulties

What was a significant change in scientific funding introduced by the British Association?

• Prizes for completed research

• Grants for ongoing research

• Scholarships for students

• Loans for equipment purchase

What unintended consequence did the philosophical breakfast club's revolution have?

• Greater collaboration among scientists

• Increased public interest in science

• Separation of science from general culture

• More funding for scientific research

What did Charles Darwin believe was almost as important as original scientific work?

• Public lectures

• Scientific debates

• General and popular treatises

• Technical journals