Second Blog - March 2013
So, What is Big History and what is Big History Leeds?
According to Wikipedia :-
'Big History is an emerging academic discipline which examines history scientifically from the Big Bang to the present. It examines long time frames using a multidisciplinary approach based on combining numerous disciplines from science and the humanities, and explores human existence in the context of this bigger picture. It integrates studies of the cosmos, Earth, life and humanity using empirical evidence to explore cause-and-effect relations, and is taught at universities and secondary schools often using web-based interactive presentations.'
'David Christian explains Big History, the scale of its 13.81 billion year timeline, the many approaches of knowledge it involves, and how it fits within a long running human tradition of telling origin stories.' Look for 'What is Big History' here :- http://bighistoryproject.com/
The International Big History Association says 'Big History seeks to understand the integrated history of the Cosmos, Earth, Life, and Humanity, using the best available empirical evidence and scholarly methods.' A fuller explanation is found here :- http://ibhanet.org/
As for Big History Leeds, it will be an attempt to adapt Big History on a local level. Big History Leeds will aim to tread the path from each singularity settlement to the complexity of the Metropolitan District. While tracing our own steps from just after The Big Bang itself to the creation of stars and the chemical elements (found in dying stars) that eventually became us, one of the most complex things ever evolved so far.
For instance, the Carboniferous river delta rainforest in the north of England powered the industrial revolution which led us into the Modern era. And it is also this kind of time period over millions if not billions of years that Big History will and Big History Leeds will aim to look at.
Big History Leeds would like to set up three kinds of lecture series...
Firstly, a ten part lecture course on Big History itself, held monthly from, say August to May, so that everyone is more aware of what exactly Big History is. Ideally then taken out to the libraries located in the Leeds Metropolitan District.
Secondly, having taken Big History as a starting point, the next stage is an extended set of fortnightly lectures with a little more depth covering Big History but with a local slant incorporating Leeds' Big History from the first rocks up to the bustling Metropolitan District it is today.
Thirdly, a weekly lecture series covering something I call Long History. With a lot of depth and leaving virtually no stone unturned as we incorporate everything, both good and bad, warts and all looking at Big History and general world, Commonwealth, European, UK, Yorkshire and Leeds history both Local and at its place in the wider community.
As I said in my first Blog, I am not an academic. So it would be great to have help from all the science and history community in the Leeds Metropolitan District. The idea being these groups can work together to flesh out the bones of the framework I have and of the general direction I would like us to go in. To build on all the hard work Leeds has put in over the centuries to get it where it is today.
Anyway all the best and enjoy the Spring!
Chris Oddy
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