Introduction to the Scientific Revolution NOTES

Middle Age Science Scientists during the Middle Ages were often called “natural philosophers” but did not make observations of the natural world. They relied on the ancient scientists (such as Aristotle) for their scientific knowledge. As the Renaissance and humanistic thinking began to emerge, these philosophers will develop new ways of thinking.

The role of Greek and Latin When Renaissance humanists mastered Greek and Latin they had access to newly discovered works written by Ptolemy. Through these writings and others it was made clear that not all ancient thinkers had agreed with Aristotle.

New Ways of Thinking Other developments encouraged new ways of thinking. Technical problems, that needed careful observation and measurements, stimulated scientific thinking. New inventions such as the telescope and microscope made new scientific discoveries possible and the printing press helped spread these ideas rapidly.

Astronomy One of the most significant discoveries during the Scientific Revolution was in astronomy. These discoveries would turn people’s view of the universe upside down.