A historical study of the early period of radioactivity's development, from 1899 to 1913, is presented as an aid to bring up discussions on the nature of science and on some features of the scientific enterprise shared by the post-positivist epistemologies. In terms of modern physics, radioactivity has been over neglected by the specialized literature. From this standpoint, it is hoped to make a contribution to a more critical and current upbringing of future scientists and science teachers.
radioactivity; history and philosophy of science; features of the scientific enterprise