Jean-Baptiste Morin and the Importance of Process | Ian McKnight | TEDxHaverford College

Historical Context & Intellectual Shifts - The presentation discusses Jean Baptiste Morvan de Villefranche, a figure from the 16th and 17th centuries, and his contributions to science and philosophy, particularly in the context of the shift from medieval to modern thought [5][6][9] - Morvan's initial belief in geocentrism (Earth as the center of the universe) is presented as a counterpoint to the emerging heliocentric view, highlighting the intellectual debates of the time [1][2][3][4] Morvan's Approach to Astrology - Morvan embraced astrology and sought to modernize it by applying scientific methods, such as collecting large sample sizes of data [6][7][9] - Despite the pseudoscientific nature of astrology, Morvan's commitment to his process and methodology is emphasized [10][16] Morvan's Contributions Beyond Astrology - Morvan made contributions to medicine by recognizing the dangers of excessive bloodletting, which was a common practice at the time [12] - He also offered a critique of Descartes' philosophy known as the circle objection, which remains a relevant philosophical issue [14] - Morvan attempted to solve the problem of determining longitude at sea, demonstrating his engagement with scientific challenges of his era [13] The Importance of Process Over Results - The central argument is that the value lies in the process and methodology, rather than solely on the results achieved [16][17] - Morvan's example is used to illustrate that even if one's beliefs or pursuits are ultimately disproven, the commitment to a rigorous process can still lead to valuable insights and contributions [18][19][20]