Stars of the Scientific Revolution Investigating the Characters who Changed Science…and the World???

What is the Scientific Revolution?  “A new way of thinking about the natural world based upon careful observation and a willingness to ask questions”  Geocentric Theory vs. Heliocentric Theory  Geocentric Theory:  Proposed by the Classical Greek Philosopher (and early Scientist!), Aristotle early Scientist!), Aristotle  Taught that the Earth is the center of the universe  When the Catholic Church formed, it accepted and taught this theory, believing that God placed His taught this theory, believing that God placed His people at the center of the universe people at the center of the universe

A New Worldview  Heliocentric Theory:  Developed by Nicolaus Copernicus  Teaches that the Sun is the center of the Universe of the Universe  Consequently, the Earth revolves around the sun  Knowing his ideas clashed with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, Copernicus waited until he Roman Catholic Church, Copernicus waited until he was near death before publishing his controversial theory was near death before publishing his controversial theory  Click Here to view a short introduction to Copernicus Click Here Click Here  Think About It: If you were Copernicus, would you have waited to publish your new theory? Why or why not? waited to publish your new theory? Why or why not?

Challenging Accepted Beliefs  Inspired by Copernicus’ book, "On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres", future astronomers sought to prove his theory true; laying the foundation for the modern practice of Scientific Investigation  Johannes Kepler: Used math to prove Copernicus’ theory to be true Johannes Kepler Johannes Kepler  Galileo Galilei: Supported the Heliocentric Theory by creating the telescope – this provides undeniable proof that the Earth, in fact, revolved around the sun Galileo Galilei Galileo Galilei

The Development of the Scientific Method  The rapidly increasing interest in the Study of Science demanded a uniform method of investigation (Also Known As: Inquiry)  René Descartes: French philosopher  Emphasized logic; must doubt until reason proves true  “I think; therefore, I am”  Sir Francis Bacon: English Philosopher  Inspired by Descartes’ thinking, Bacon creates and encourages the use of the Scientific Method

The Revolution Continues…  Scientific Method: Logical procedure for gathering and testing ideas  Its use standardizes the Study of Science and expands scientific research  Sir Isaac Newton: Discovered the Law of Gravity; and, as a result, the study of Physics Sir Isaac Newton Sir Isaac Newton  Invention of microscope expanded the study of Biology  New tools for understanding weather lead to the study of Meteorology  Doctors use human cadavers to map human anatomy; taking the study of Medicine to a new level