Name: The Philosophical Breakfast Club
Uploaded: 2013-04-12T14:59:24Z
Duration: 12 min 20 s
Description: In 1812, four men at Cambridge University met for breakfast. What began as an impassioned meal grew into a new scientific revolution, in which these men -- who called themselves “natural philosophers” until they later coined “scientist” -- introduced four major principles into scientific inquiry. Historian and philosopher Laura Snyder tells their intriguing story.

In 1812, four men at Cambridge University met for breakfast. What began as an impassioned meal grew into a new scientific revolution, in which these men -- who called themselves “natural philosophers” until they later coined “scientist” -- introduced four major principles into scientific inquiry. Historian and philosopher Laura Snyder tells their intriguing story.

The Philosophical Breakfast Club

The shift from amateur natural philosophers to professional scientists began with a pivotal moment in 1833 when the term 'scientist' was first coined during a heated debate at Cambridge. This revolution was sparked by four ambitious friends who committed to transforming science through collaboration, public benefit, and new institutions. Their efforts established shared methods, public access to knowledge, and funding for research, fundamentally reshaping science’s role in society. Yet, their legacy also led to a growing divide between scientists and the broader public.