The Scientific Revolution

The Rise of Science (16 th – 18 th 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 17 th cent.)

The Scientific Revolution Revolution in Astronomy –Ptolemaic Theory The Cosmos –Group of concentric spheres –GEOCENTRIC –Spheres revolve around Earth Bible, human observation “support” this –Celestial bodies contain “ether”

The Scientific Revolution Nicolaus Copernicus ( ) –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 ( ) –Court mathematician of emperor –Provided mathematical confirmation for Copernicus’s theory –Taught Laws of Planetary Motion Planets follow elliptical orbits, not circular Distance and time of revolution in constant ratio

The Scientific Revolution Galileo Galilei ( ) – –Professor at U. of Padua – –Fascinated with astronomy – –Advocate of Copernican theory – –Discoveries with telescope Imperfections on moon Sunspots – –Demonstrate uniformity between heavens and Earth

The Scientific Revolution

Galileo: Outspoken and Defiant Advocate of Copernican Theory –Asked to treat theory as hypothesis, not fact… –Did not!  summoned to Rome (1632), house arrest –Trial before Inquisition (1633) Charged with challenging authority of Scripture  heresy Abjured Copernican theory! –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 ( ) 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 –Human anatomy –Blood circulation –Bacteria discovered with microscope Vesalius and students

The Scientific Revolution The Scientific Method –Empirical observation and experimentation  conclusions –Theories: let them emerge only after accumulation and analysis of data

The Scientific Revolution Scientific Discoveries  Revolution in Thought –Old paradigms swept away Humans no longer center of universe Cosmos are orderly and mechanistic based on God’s design –Faith in human reason  optimism –Skepticism beginning to brew  need for evidence

The Scientific Revolution John Locke ( ) – –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?