1. Scientific Revolution
Why did Medieval people believe in magic & witches?
It offered “answers” to the unexplainable/unknown.

2. (witch hunting of 16th-17th centuries)
Early “Science”
Attempts to discover, understand & harness the secrets of nature (ex: alchemy, astrology + craftsmen & engineers)
Some people who “dabbled” in science were branded witches using “black magic”…
(witch hunting of 16th-17th centuries)

3. Scientific Revolution

4. Scientific Revolution
What is meant by the “scientific revolution?” (see pg. 623)
Why might people be reluctant or have difficulty accepting new ideas or ways of thinking?

5. Early “Science” *
Early ancient scientists based knowledge on logic & “reasoning” a conclusion; not experimentation.
Much of medieval “science” was based upon
tradition, religion or superstition.
Uneducated commoners believed in witches & supernatural explanations (superstitions)
Aristotle
4th century BC

6. Factors leading to the Scientific Revolution
“Scientific Revolution” – a great change in human understanding and knowledge about the physical universe (begins during the 17th century)
Factors leading to change:
New ideas from the East (Crusades & trade)
2. Humanist study of early ancient scientists & desire by educated scientists to look beyond traditionally explanations of truth (ancient authorities & Church)

7. SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION *
Humanist study of ancient scientists brought realization that not all classical theories were consistent…
so, we must test!
(Humans are thinking beings!)
Renaissance influence on science:
Question everything to attain truth
Everything must be proven through math & experimentation = “scientific revolution”;
not prior authority, not Church, not “magic”
Empiricism: experience is the only true source of knowledge (and the data you collect from it)

8. SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION *
Scientific Method: Francis Bacon
1. Observe an object or phenomenon
2. Develop a theory that explains the object or phenomenon
3. Test the theory with experiments
4. Collect data to prove or disprove theory / hypothesis.
Sir Francis Bacon

9. SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION *
4) New inventions & instruments
(telescope, microscope, thermometer, etc.)
telescope
microscope
barometer

10. SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
mechanical calculator
pendulum clock
thermometer
***some strong opposition from the Church when science challenged what it accepted as truth

11. da Vinci: Anatomy Sketches
Used observation & dissection (even illegal autopsies) to better
understand how the human body worked; made sketches in his
notebooks to “study” the human form.

12. da Vinci: “A man ahead of his time” Sketches of ideas for inventions

13. A New View of the Universe
Geocentric Theory vs. Heliocentric Theory
“What is at the center of the universe?”
Earth ?….the Sun ?
Ancient “authorities”
Aristotle ( BC)
Earth is motionless
at center of universe
“crystal spheres”
theory of gravity
Ptolemy (AD85-165)
“geocentric theory”

14. Aristotelian View of the Universe

15. A New View of the Universe
Catholic Church endorsed these theories of the universe because they fit in with the Bible & Church teachings; if promoted different ideas = heresy!
Nicholas Copernicus ( )
Polish astronomer & monk
On Revolution of Heavenly Spheres
(1543)
Mathematical attack of geocentric view
Sparked some debate among academics
(Kepler – mathematic proof & orbits)

16. Models of the Universe Geocentric Heliocentric
The Earth is at the center of the universe; all heavenly bodies move around the Earth
Heliocentric
The Sun is at the center of the universe; all heavenly bodies move around the Sun—including the Earth

17. Galileo Source Analysis
Why was Galileo reluctant to publish his findings?
How does Kepler try to persuade him to change his mind?
Why was the Church upset with Galileo?
What sentence was given to Galileo by the Inquisition?
Why do you think Galileo recants (abjures)?
Is a conflict such as this possible today?

18. Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) Italian scientist / mathematician
Perfected the “spy glass” = telescope
Through observations promoted
Copernicus’ Heliocentric Theory
in his book: Dialogue on Two Chief Systems (1632)
Galileo’s drawing
of the moon as he
viewed it through
his telescope.

19. Galileo and the Inquisition (1633)
Galileo claimed the Bible was not a reliable scientific source
His scientific observations questioned Church doctrine about the Earth, heavens & man’s place in it
Accused of heresy & faced trial before the Roman Inquisition (1633)
Art work depicting Galileo before the
Inquisition where he ultimately
“recants” his statements.
Supposedly said later, “But it does move.”

20. Question of Relevance Today:
Can you identify any issues, ideas or procedures from the scientific/medical communities today which stir controversy due to differing moral / personal views?

21. SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
What is meant by,
“Necessity is the mother of invention?”