The Scientific Revolution

Scientific Revolution

A major change in European thought, starting in the mid-1500s, in which the study of the natural world began to be characterized by careful observation

and the questioning of accepted beliefs.

The Roots of Revolution *Before the S. Rev:

-scholars generally decided what was true based on the teachings of ancient authors and/or the Bible

-few questioned the scientific belief held by the church and ancient thinkers

*Most believed:-the earth was the center of the universe

*geocentric theory-moon, sun & other planets all moved in circular paths around the earth -idea came from Aristotle

-4th century Greek philosopher

-fit into Christian doctrine

A New Way of Thinking - Based on observation and a willingness to question

accepted beliefs - During the Middle Ages, new scientific findings led

to the development of scientific university courses in astronomy, physics, and mathematics

- During the Renaissance, ancient manuscripts indicated that many scholars did not agree with each other

- The Reformation occurred roughly around the same time where the church was being questioned anyway

- Copernicus challenged Aristole’s idea that the earth was the center of the universe

Age of Exploration

-discoveries of people and places previously unknown to Europeans led them to question truth

-development of scientific tools used in navigation heightened research in astronomy and mathematics

Gutenberg’s Printing Press

Ideas were spread more efficiently and widely among the scientific thinkers

Characteristics of the Scientific Revolution

1) Use of observation and trial and error in developing scientific discoveries

2) Went against Church “truths”

-contradicts Church doctrine

3) 16th and 17th century scientists built on the ideas and findings of those who came before them

Great Thinkers of the Era

• Brahe- Astronomy, identified new stars

• Kepler- Protégé of Brahe, developed theory of planetary motion

• Galileo- Believed objects were in motion until something stopped it– Was questioned by the Inquisition and

recanted

Continued…

• Newton- Physics, believed physics governed the universe– Universe was rational because God created it

and God is rational

• Bacon- Inductive reasoning applied to math (using a set of facts to come up with a general conclusion), scientific method applied to math

• Descartes- Analytical geometry

Quick Write Question

What were the circumstances leading up to the Scientific Revolution and what characteristics embody the era?