Luciano Boschiero

University of New South Wales

Australia

The Accademia degli Inquieti: an Analysis of Experimental Philosophy in Bologna from 1690 to 1714

2004-2005

Luciano Boschiero graduated with first-class Honours in Science and Technology Studies from the University of Wollongong in 1999. He recently completed his PhD at the University of New South Wales. The title of his doctoral dissertation is: Natural philosophy inside the mid to late seventeenth-century Tuscan court: the history of the Accademia del Cimento. Luciano has had several chapters of his thesis published with international journals specializing in the history and philosophy of science. In 2002 he was the winner of the Annals of Science Prize for the paper: "Natural philosophical contention inside the Accademia del Cimento: the properties and effects of heat and cold." In his post-doctoral appointment at the Italian Academy, Luciano will be researching the rise of experimental philosophy in late seventeenth century and early eighteenth century Italian institutions, with particular focus on the activities of the Accademia degli Inquieti in Bologna. He is interested in the way the Inquieti used experimental philosophy as a persuasive presentational device in order to strengthen its authority in natural philosophical fields and appeal to potential members and patrons.