A New View of the World Ch. 13.1

Aristotle Who was Aristotle? An ancient Greek philosopher What did Aristotle do? Believed that people should observe the world and carefully draw logical conclusions about what they see. Where/When/Why? Where: Greece When: 384-322 BC Why: Ancient people looked for answers to many questions. In seeking answers, Aristotle believed people needed to observe the world and think logically.

Ptolemy Who was Ptolemy? An ancient Greek Philosopher What did he do? Ptolemy studied astronomy by observing the skies and offering theories about what he observed. He also became famous as a geographer for mapping out the Mediterranean region. Where/When/Why? Where: Greece When: 100s AD Why: In seeking answers about the natural world, Ptolemy studied the skies. He believed truth was based on observations.

Muslim Scholars What did they do? Translated Greek writings of science, mathematics, and medicine into Arabic, which was then studied and spread by Muslim scholars. Later, Arabic translations were translated into Latin, which allowed ideas to spread throughout Europe. Where/When/Why? Where: South-western Asia (Persia, Turkey, and other Muslim kingdoms) When: Between 700 and 1500 Why: To gain knowledge about the world that was most known to them (Greek and Roman civilization) with respect to science, mathematics, and medicine.

Maimonides Who was Maimonides? A Jewish scholar What did he do? Studied and wrote about Aristotle and the Jewish faith. Where/When/Why? Where: Spain When: 1135-1204, AD Why: He believed that the teachings of Aristotle, which were founded in rationalism and observing the natural world, could be combined with the Jewish faith.

Thomas Aquinas Who was Thomas Aquinas? Thomas Aquinas was a Christian scholar. What did he do? Attempted to reconcile (or combine) the teachings of Aristotle with the teachings of Christianity. Where/When/Why? Where: Italy When: 1225-1274 Why: Thomas Aquinas believed that rational thought and religious beliefs did not have to be separate, and could be combined.

humanists Who were the humanists? Artists and writers of the Renaissance that studied the natural world. What did they do? Studied nature and attempted to capture it in a realistic manner in writing and painting. This interest carried over into the Scientific Revolution. Where/When/Why? Where: All of Europe When: The Renaissance Why: A desire to portray nature in the purest way possible. Their observations of nature led to beautiful, realistic works of art and literature.

alchemists Who were alchemists? Individuals who experimented with natural substances in order to change them into valuable materials. What did they do? Alchemists are most famous for attempting to turn less-valuable metals and materials into gold. Where/When/Why? Where: Originated in Egypt and China simultaneously, spread to most of Asia, Europe, and northern Africa When: Began between 3000 and 2000 BC, lasted through the middle ages Why: Alchemists believed that every substance could reach a state of perfection, as thought by Aristotle. Therefore, by experimenting with natural substances, they hoped to create “perfect” materials—gold.