The Scientific Revolution Chapter 15
What was it? Knowledge acquired through a combination of careful observations, controlled experiments, and formulation of general laws Mid 1500s to Early 1700s Challenged the teachings and authority of the Church
Why Europe? Legal systems guaranteed a measure of independence for many institutions Universities Drew on the knowledge of other cultures Explosion of knowledge (compare to today?) Reformation: challenge authority
Changes? Copernicus: Heliocentric Theory Kepler: elliptical orbits Galileo: telescope Pascal: infinite Newton: laws of motion, universal gravitation Scientific Method Harvey: heart pumps blood
Reaction? Catholic Church upset: burning, house arrest These scientists did not reject Christianity for science though; believed they went together. Enlightenment: scientific laws and reason will be used on social, political and economic issues