1. The Scientific Revolution

2. Scientific Revolution
A major change in European thought, starting in the mid-1500s, in which the study of the natural world began to be characterized by careful observation
and the questioning of accepted beliefs.

3. The Roots of Revolution
*Before the S. Rev:
-scholars generally decided what was true based on the teachings of ancient authors and/or the Bible
-few questioned the scientific belief held by the church and ancient thinkers
*Most believed:
-the earth was the center of the universe
*geocentric theory
-moon, sun & other planets all moved in circular paths around the earth
-idea came from Aristotle
-4th century Greek philosopher
-fit into Christian doctrine

4. A New Way of Thinking
- Based on observation and a willingness to question accepted beliefs
- During the Middle Ages, new scientific findings led to the development of scientific university courses in astronomy, physics, and mathematics
- During the Renaissance, ancient manuscripts indicated that many scholars did not agree with each other
The Reformation occurred roughly around the same time where the church was being questioned anyway
Copernicus challenged Aristole’s idea that the earth was the center of the universe

5. Age of Exploration
-discoveries of people and places previously unknown to Europeans led them to question truth
-development of scientific tools used in navigation heightened research in astronomy and mathematics

6. Gutenberg’s Printing Press
Ideas were spread more efficiently and widely among the scientific thinkers

7. Characteristics of the Scientific Revolution
1) Use of observation and trial and error in developing scientific discoveries
2) Went against Church “truths”
-contradicts Church doctrine
3) 16th and 17th century scientists built on the ideas and findings of those who came before them

8. Great Thinkers of the Era
Brahe- Astronomy, identified new stars
Kepler- Protégé of Brahe, developed theory of planetary motion
Galileo- Believed objects were in motion until something stopped it
Was questioned by the Inquisition and recanted

9. Continued… Newton- Physics, believed physics governed the universe
Universe was rational because God created it and God is rational
Bacon- Inductive reasoning applied to math (using a set of facts to come up with a general conclusion), scientific method applied to math
Descartes- Analytical geometry

10. Quick Write Question
What were the circumstances leading up to the Scientific Revolution and what characteristics embody the era?