The Scientific Revolution The Scientific Revolution was a product of the Renaissance and influenced by Reformation.

The Major Players Copernicus ( ) Vesalius ( ) Bacon ( ) Galileo ( ) Kepler ( ) Harvey ( ) Descartes ( ) Boyle ( ) Leeuwenhoek ( ) Newton ( )

The transformation of medieval universities during the Renaissance included the study of natural philosophy: mathematics, astronomy, and physics – Scientists like Galileo and Newton were university professors, working in a community of scholars The Renaissance brought to light Greek mathematical texts, which helped improve European mathematics – Many Renaissance patrons supported scientists. Navigational needs, such as the calculation of latitude for long distance travel, prompted technological advancements useful for sea travel and other important scientific instruments – The telescope, pendulum clock, microscope, and air pump, among others

Positive Impact of Religion Protestantism may have fostered scientific thinking in that it made scientific work a matter of conscience and not of faith. Some Protestant countries like England, Denmark, and Holland typically encouraged science and, with their interest in international trade, promoted technological innovation. The independence of science from religion was promoted during the English Revolution

The Scientific Method Francis Bacon & Rene Descartes, with different views, helped to developed the scientific method of forming a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis with observation and/or experiment, and drawing conclusions. Bacon advocated experimental research and the inductive way of reasoning, meaning that general truths are drawn from many empirical facts. ◦ Empirical truths are ones that can be confirmed through the senses. Descartes was a mathematician who developed analytical geometry, bringing together algebra and geometry. ◦ Favored deductive reasoning- going from the general to the specific ◦ Cartesian dualism: There were only two types of substances, matter and mind, or the physical and the spiritual.