Ships, technology and the birth of maritime thought:

Marcello José Gomes  Loureiro; Bruno de Seixas Carvalho

Marcello José Gomes Loureiro Doutor em História e Civilização - École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS-Paris), Doutor em História Social - Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (PPGHIS-UFRJ) e Pós-doutor - Universidade Federal Fluminense (PPGH-UFF).
Bruno de Seixas Carvalho Possui especialização em Filosofia Contemporânea pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-RJ). É mestrando do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Estudos Marítimos da Escola de Guerra Naval (PPGEM-EGN).

Keywords: Ships, Technology, Maritime Thought

Abstract

This piece aims to elucidate the influence of naval technology on Mahan’s first work “The Influence of Sea Power Upon History 1660-1783”. At the end of the nineteenth century, a scientific discourse creating new technologies had been increasing since the first industrial revolution. However, despite the striking changes in ships and warships amplifying maritime commerce, transforming naval warfare and changing ships’ millennial wooden silhouette, Mahan does not mention the word “technology”. Writing at the peak of this period in 1890, he extensively discusses England’s naval history during the age of sail. Nonetheless, Mahan was part of the epistemological scene of nineteenth century United States, relying on a scientific view of history. Therefore, it will be demonstrated the extent to which his epistemological view was influenced by technology.

Ships, technology and the birth of maritime thought

the epistemological influences on Mahan’s first influence

Abstract