Dissertation | Papers | Projects
Dr. Palmer's next project is a history of philosophical attitudes toward "provisional belief" from the 3rd century BC through the 18th century, focusing on the crucial Renaissance period. In today's society, new discoveries constantly destroy and replace the previous "truth" agreed upon by scientists, yet this does not undermine individual confidence in science as a system. Such adherence to a method independent of its doctrines was unheard-of in the Middle Ages, when scholars used strict logic to root out the tiniest flaws in rival systems. The development of this capacity for "provisional belief" was thus a necessary precursor to the modern scientific worldview. This project will begin with a review of elements of "provisional belief" in ancient Stoicism, Epicureanism and Skepticism, then review Medieval approaches. The central section will examine Renaissance figures who used classical techniques to create new philosophical solutions to the problems of the Middle Ages. The final section will examine the maturation of "provisional belief" during the scientific revolution. By focusing strictly on the issue of separating belief in a system from belief in its doctrines Ada hopes to write a narrower history than those of Richard Popkin and Don Cameron Allen.
In addition to this, Dr. Palmer has a paper on the humanist poetry written for Raphael's death, written under the tutelage of John Shearman, which she is revising for publication.