Unit 3: AN AGE OF REVOLUTION The Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment THE OLD vs. The NEW WAY OF THINKING

The Medieval View of the Universe Structure of Universe: Geocentric Theory All Knowledge from – Bible – certain ancient thinkers (Aristotle, Ptolemy) – Superstition God-Centered World View: Mans’ destiny is out of his control Geocentric Model

A New Scientific Way of Thinking s The Scientific Revolution = thinking based on observation, questioning, & experimentation Heliocentric Theory (Sun at center of solar system) Knowledge derived from scientific research and logic Man could learn to understand his universe Heliocentric Model

Why and How Did This Change Occur? Causes of Scientific Revolution Knowledge from Muslim scholars of Middle East filtering in to Europe (Crusades) Rediscovery of lost Greek & Roman writings as result of Crusades (Renaissance) Teachings of church challenged and proven incorrect, search for truth (Reformation) Exploration opened Europeans’ minds to idea that there were new truths to be discovered(Exploration) Advancements in technology required Europeans to know more

Newton’s Law of Gravity Turns the World Upside Down Newton discovered the natural law of gravity Develops a concept of universe known as “The Clockwork Universe” – All things on earth and in space are governed by the same forces (or set of natural laws) – Gravity was just one of these laws – In the same way that a clockmaker can repair a clock, because he understands how it works, humans can understand their universe, if they understand the laws that govern it

Newtonian Physics: Comprised of the 3 basic principles of Classical Mechanics Objects in motion stay in motion, objects at rest stay at rest until acted upon by an outside force F = ma (force = mass times acceleration Action-Reaction law