The Scientific Revolution

Before 1500, few questioned the Bible and Greek philosophers Aristotle & Ptolemy… What was true and false about the universe came from these sources

The Philosophical Medieval View Aristotle & Ptolemy from Greece supported the Geocentric theory: Earth was an unmoving object located at the center of the universe- the sun and planets moved around the Earth (sun rising and setting seemed to support this view) Religion guided views too: Christianity taught that God had placed Earth at the center of the universe.

Geocentric Theory

Aristotle (384BC – 322BC) An influential Greek philosopher who made important contributions on physical subjects. Developed the geocentric model. His philosophies has long-lasting effects on philosophical theories.

Claudius Ptolemy (85 - 165) One of the most influential Greek astronomers, mathematician & geographers of his time. He expanded Aristotle’s geocentric theory. He introduced trigonometrical (trigonometry) methods.

Heliocentric Theory – Sun Centered Geocentric vs. Heliocentric Models http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyQ8Tb85HrU

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543) Invented the Heliocentric Theory: Sun-Centered Universe Earth is no different than any other planet On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres (1543) Copernicus

Johannes Kepler (1571-1630) Pushes use of experiments and observations Planetary movement is a mathematical formula Planets move around the Sun in elliptical orbits NOT circles Confirms Copernicus ideas

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) GALILEO – designs 1st telescope w/lens & sees movement of the stars & moons (similar to the movement of the planets) Church believes heavens are fixed, unmoving and the earth is the center of the universe  they are furious w/Galileo! Galileo is accused of heresy (crimes against Church)  1633 brought to trial before Catholic Inquisition & he recants his statements Brainpop

Isaac Newton (1642-1727) Brainpop Isaac Newton Universal law of motion- every object in the universe attracts every other object Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy (1687) - Explained gravity (what goes up must come down) Universe is a giant clock- all parts work together but God set clock in motion.

Francis Bacon (1561-1626) An English politician & writer with an interest in science. Criticized ancient philosophers on how they arrived at their conclusions. Urged scientists to experiment in order to arrive at conclusions Developed the Scientific Method