Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment Period Chapter Ten

Enlightenment: Age of Reason

What caused the Scientific Revolution? Renaissance humanists mastered Greek and Latin. This gave them access to works by Ptolemy, Archimedes, and Plato. Need for actual measurements and observations stimulated scientific activity. Thereby creating the need for new instruments, such as the telescope and microscope. The creation of the printing press allowed ideas to spread quickly. The study of Mathematics was promoted in the Renaissance by the rediscovery of ancient mathematicians.

Ptolemy The greatest astronomer of ancient history. Using his ideas, ancient philosophers created the Ptolemaic System model. His geocentric theory placed the earth at the center of the universe. In the Ptolemaic system, the universe is a series of concentric spheres and the Earth is fixed at the center.

Copernicus He wrote “On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres.” Heliocentric theory was that the sun was the center of the universe. He noted that the movement of the sun around Earth was caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Galileo He first taught mathematics. He was the first European to make regular observations of the heavens using a telescope. He made many discoveries: Mountains on the moon. Four moons revolving around Jupiter. Sunspots

Johannes Kepler He used detailed astronomical data to arrive at his laws of planetary motion. Confirmed that the sun was the center of the universe. The orbits of the planets were not circular, but were elliptical or egg shaped, with the sun at the end of the ellipse instead of the center.

Isaac Newton He became a professor of mathematics and wrote, Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, or simply known as Principia. He defined the three laws of motion that govern the planetary bodies, as well as objects on Earth. He created the universal law of gravitation. Every object in the universe is attracted to every other object by a force of gravity.

Andreas Vesalius Professor of surgery at the University of Padua. Wrote, “On the Fabric of the Human Body” He presented an accurate examination of the individual organs and general structure of the human body.

William Harvey His book was “On the Motion of the Heart and Blood” He stated that the heart was the beginning point for the circulation of blood in the body. He proved that the same blood flowed in the veins and arteries. Blood makes a complete circuit through the body.

Rene Descartes The starting point for his new system of thought was doubt. He wrote “Discourse on Method.” He stated that he would only accept those things that his reason said were true. “I think, therefore I am” He stated “the mind cannot be doubted but the body and material world can, the two must be radically different.”

Francis Bacon An English philosopher. He believed that systematic observations and organized experiments to test theories would lead to valid general principles. He stated that, “human life be endowed with new discoveries and power.” Human power was to conquer “nature in action.”

The Enlightenment Period A philosophical movement of intellectuals who were greatly impressed with the achievements of the Scientific Revolution. They hoped that the scientific method would help them to achieve a better society. Reason, natural law, hope, progress were key terms used during this time period.

John Locke “Essay Concerning Human Understanding” He stated that every person was born with a blank mind. People are molded and shaped by their experiences. If people are exposed to positive influences, then people can be changed.

Philosophe Name most intellectuals were known by, which means philosopher. Most of these French men were writers, professors, journalists, economists, etc. Came chiefly from the nobility and the middle class. The English really the inspiration for people during the Enlightenment. However, the French are credited with making the Enlightenment a world wide affair. They felt that the role of the philosophe was to change the world.

Baron de Montesquieu Charles Louis de Secondat was his real name. Tried to use the scientific method to find the natural laws that govern the social and political relationships of human beings. His analysis of the system of checks and balances through separation of powers was his most important contribution to the political world. We incorporated his principles into our constitution.

Voltaire Francois Marie Arouet He created pamphlets, novels, plays, letters, essays, etc. He strongly believed in religious tolerations. He wrote “Treatise on Toleration” He believed that a mechanic (God) created the universe and then left it alone to operate on its own natural laws.

Denis Diderot He spent most of his life dedicated to new ideas. He created the 28 volume Encyclopedia or Classified Dictionary of the Sciences, Arts, & Trades. Its purpose was to change the way people thought. Many articles attacked religious superstition, pushed for toleration, and spread new ideas throughout Europe.

Adam Smith He was known as a physiocrat, which were people who studied natural economic laws that governed human society. He believed that the government should not interfere with the economy/business (laissez faire economics). He wrote the Wealth of Nations. He gave government only three roles: Protection from invasion. Defending citizens from injustice. Maintaining public works.

Cesare Beccaria He wrote an essay, On Crimes and Punishment. He opposed capital punishment. He did not believe that capital punishment deterred others from committing crimes.

Jean Jacque Rousseau He wrote the, Social Contract. Through a social contract, society agrees to be governed by its general will. Individuals who wish instead to follow their own self-interests must be forced to abide by the general will. Liberty is achieved by being forced to follow what is best for the general will, because the general will represents what is best for the entire community.

Mary Wollstonecraft She wrote A Vindication of the Rights of Women. Fought for women’s rights. She believed that men and women should share power. Equal rights in education, economics, and politics.

Marie-Therese de Geoffrin Held salons in her home. A gathering for artists and thinkers to discuss and share ideas on politics, art, education, etc. Kings and philosophes fought to receive an invitation from her.

Enlightened Absolutism Enlightenment philosophers believed in: Equality before the law. Freedom of religious worship. Freedom of speech. Freedom of the press. Right to assemble, hold property, & pursue happiness.

Enlightened Absolutism Most philosophers believed that people should be ruled by enlightened rulers. They believed in enlightened absolutism, where the ruler would govern using enlightenment principles. Examine the following areas Prussia, Austria, and Russia. Which country’s ruler actually ruled with enlightened absolutism? Write a brief answer defending your choice. Be prepared to present to the class.