1. The Scientific Revolution

2. Paradigm Shift: Copernicus ► Aristotle’s Philosophy – Earth was round, stationary, and located in middle of the universe ► Only five planets: Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn ► Dominant paradigm in the middle ages

3. Paradigm Shift: Copernicus ► Second century B.C. Ptolemy challenged Aristotle’s view ► Other astronomers later provided more evidence to support Ptolemy ► Aristotle’s view changed slightly ► Planets moved in circles as they moved around the earth ► These circular patterns were called epicycles

4. Paradigm Shift: Copernicus ► As astronomers learned more about universe they added to the epicycle belief ► Soon this became very complicated ► Copernicus then proposed that sun was the centre, remaining motionless, and planets circled around it. ► Copernicus hesitated to publish his theory as it would be very controversial

5. Paradigm Shift: Copernicus ► Copernicus finally agreed to publish his ideas ► Not done until the year he died ► Published in Latin so only the scholars heard his theory ► As discussion happened much controversy erupted

6. Paradigm Shift: Copernicus ► Copernicus’ theory challenged the existing paradigms ► Bible clearly said that the sun rose and set ► People believed that the Bible was literally true so seen Copernicus’ theory as an attack on the Bible

7. Paradigm Shift: Copernicus ► Copernican theory suggested the earth was like any other planet and not centre of the universe ► This challenged the teachings of Aristotle ► Most important Copernicus rejected a view that had been accepted for centuries ► If this was wrong then what else that people believed in was wrong