The Scientific Revolution

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

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

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

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

Between 1000 and 1500 . . . Western Europeans gain access to knowledge of other cultures Arab medical texts and astronomical research Arab translations of Greek classics

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

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

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

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

Building on Copernicus Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) Planets move in elliptical orbits Galileo Galilei (1564 - 1642) Developed an improved telescope

The culmination of the scientific revolution Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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