1. The Scientific Revolution

2. Europeans took western science wherever they went
Europe’s Scientific Revolution An intellectual & cultural transformation Mid 16th through the 18th centuries Men of science no longer rely on authority of … the Bible or the Church … ancient philosophers … the wisdom of cultural tradition Knowledge comes from a rational examination Knowledge was the product of the human mind

3. Long-term impact of scientific revolution
Altered ideas about our place in the cosmos Challenged the authority of the Church Eroded religious belief within the West Challenged social hierarchies Played a role in revolutionary upheavals It was used to legitimize inequality Science could save millions and kill millions

4. Why did it take place in Europe?
Why not in the Islamic world or China? European universities had autonomy “Neutral zones of intellectual autonomy” Devote more time to “natural philosophy” Major figures of the Scientific Revolution were trained in these universities

5. Islamic World and China
Colleges in the Islamic world focused on Quranic Studies and religious law
Philosophy & science viewed with suspicion
Chinese education focused on the civil service exam
Chinese emphasized humanistic and moral texts of Confucianism
Science a marginal concern in China

6. Between 1000 and
Western Europeans gain access to knowledge of other cultures
Arab medical texts and astronomical research
Arab translations of Greek classics

7. After 1500, Europeans Gained knowledge from their overseas empires
Massive amounts of new information
Lands, plants, and animals
Peoples, societies, and religions
Skepticism about established views provided a fertile cultural ground for the emergence of modern science

8. The Reformation changes cultural climate
Skeptical attitude toward ALL authority Encourages mass literacy Everyone has to read the Bible

9. Before the Scientific revolution
Geocentric view of the universe
Earth at the center – stationary
Sun, moon, stars revolve around earth
Coincides with teachings of the Catholic Church

10. Scientific Revolution changes this view
Changes man’s view of the universe Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) Polish mathematician & astronomer On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres – 1543 Heliocentric view of the solar system Earth is no longer unique or the center of God’s attention

11. Building on Copernicus
Johannes Kepler ( ) Planets move in elliptical orbits Galileo Galilei ( ) Developed an improved telescope

12. The culmination of the scientific revolution
Sir Isaac Newton ( ) The modern laws of motion and mechanics The concept of universal gravitation Grand unifying idea of early modern science These ideas were radical at the time

13. A new understanding of the physical universe
Newton provided a new understanding of the universe Universe not propelled by supernatural forces Universe functions according to scientific principles These principles can be described mathematically Knowledge of the universe can be obtained thru reason alone Observation, deduction, experimentation Ancient authorities and divine revelation are unnecessary

14. Religion and science The Church opposed new scientific teachings
Science challenged authority of the church
None of the early scientists rejected Christianity
Catholic Church accommodated and resisted
Science describes the physical universe
Religion decides the “big” questions:
Human salvation
Religious Behavior
The larger purpose of life

15. These Ideas spread to a wider European public
During the 18th century
New methods o printing and bookmaking
Popular Press
Growing literacy
Scientific societies

16. The enlightenment Term used to describe 18th century Europe
Scientific method applied to ALL problems
Scientific method used to answer ALL questions
Reason and knowledge could transform society

17. John Locke , 1632 - 1704 English philosopher
Applied scientific method to questions about government
Questions the “divine right of kings.”
Governments are based on agreements
Between rulers and the ruled
“Social Contract”
Everyone is born with natural rights
Life, liberty, and property

18. The enlightenment and religion
Many reject religion
Religion rooted in superstition and ignorance
Church is corrupt and intolerant
“Enlightened religions”
Deism
Pantheism

19. Progress Progress: A central theme of the enlightenment
Human society can change and improve
This was a new way of thinking
This belief inspired political revolutions

20. Reactions to the enlightenment
Some think too much emphasis on “reason”
Romantic Movement
Intuition and emotion; the heart, not the head
Religious Awakenings
In Protestant Europe and North America
Trust in God and the Bible, not reason

21. Later challenges to the enlightenment
Scientific developments of 19th and 20th centuries Charles Darwin (1809–1882) progress comes thru struggle Not reason and education Karl Marx (1818–1883) progress comes thru struggle Sigmund Freud (1856–1939) humans driven by primal impulse Not rational thought 20th century physics questions Newton’s basic assumption