Science and Utopia: Thomas More’s Knowledge of Renaissance Science

Abstract

Thomas More had an extensive knowledge of Renaissance science and mathematics. He was a keen amateur astronomer, and at one point even gave Henry VIII lessons in astronomy. He also had a keen interest in physical geography and was familiar with the more popular Medieval authors of geographical and astronomical theory. Like More, the Utopians show a keen interest in astronomy, and in the climate, weather and tides, but repudiate astrology completely. More also took a keen interest in mathematics. Two of More’s editions of Euclid still survive. The attitude to Nature in Utopia can truly be described as proto-scientific.