Joseph Priestley

Among many chemists and historians of science Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) is only known as Lavoisier's nemesis, an obstinate defender of the outmoded phlogiston theory. Contrary to this popular image, Priestley was a champion of a truly enlightened and liberal science and politics.

Professor Hasok Chang showed us a most interesting side of Priestley, a nonconformist minister and teacher who preached tolerance and pluralism in religion, politics and science. His was a true spirit of the Enlightenment, according to which science could flourish as part of a liberal culture, and 280 years after his birth we can still draw a lesson of modernity from his ideas.

Hasok Chang is Hans Rausing Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge and President of the British Society for the History of Science.

This lecture took place on Thursday 4 April 2013.
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