The Scientific Revolution

The Scientific Revolution The Scientific Revolution The Rise of Science (16th – 18th cents.) – The Ancient and Medieval Mindset Dependent on Greco-Roman thinkers No clear-cut lines between science and pseudoscience Europe still very “religious” and “superstitious” – Science became more “modern” (by 17th cent.) The Scientific Revolution Revolution in Astronomy – Ptolemaic Theory GEOCENTRIC universe Group of concentric spheres Bible, human observation “support” this – Celestial bodies contain “ether” The Scientific Revolution Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) – Polish cleric – On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Orbs (1543) Proposed HELIOCENTRIC universe – Remained hypothesis initially Many astronomers hesitated to adopt it Mathematical concerns The Scientific Revolution The Copernican system The Scientific Revolution Johann Kepler (1570-1630) – Provided mathematical confirmation for Copernicus’s theory – Laws of Planetary Motion Planets follow elliptical orbits, not circular Distance and time of revolution in constant ratio The Scientific Revolution Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) – Professor at U of Padua – Discoveries with telescope Imperfections on moon Sunspots – Demonstrate uniformity between heavens and Earth The Scientific Revolution The Scientific Revolution Galileo: Outspoken Advocate of Copernican Theory – – – – Asked to treat theory as hypothesis, not fact… Did not!  summoned to Rome (1632), house arrest Trial before Inquisition (1633) Died within Catholic Church (1642) The Scientific Revolution 2009 The Scientific Revolution Questions? The Scientific Revolution Further Advances – Physics: Law of Gravity Sir Isaac Newton (16421727) Gravity: same force that holds object on Earth holds planets in orbits – Chemistry: use chemicals to treat disease Old theory: disease the result of imbalance in humors  bloodletting The Scientific Revolution Discoveries in Biology – – – Vesalius and students Human anatomy Blood circulation Bacteria discovered with microscope The Scientific Revolution The Scientific Method – – – Empirical observation Data Experimentation The Scientific Revolution Scientific Discoveries  Revolution in Thought – – – Old paradigms swept away Faith in human reason  optimism Skepticism beginning to brew  need for evidence The Scientific Revolution John Locke (1632-1704) – English writer, political theorist – People possess “natural rights”: life, liberty, property – Function of government Protect everyone’s rights Mutual contract between ruler and ruled Break in contract  ruled have right to reconsider ruler, even rebel! The Scientific Revolution Questions?