Chapter 2B - Coming Of The Age Of Science And Reason Flashcards
What was the scientific revolution?
- moved from belief that nature was controlled by God to belief that a rational perspective should be used to understand nature
- emergence of modern scientific beliefs
- new discoveries altered views on the natural world
What were the two main ideas that shaped natural philosophy?
1) Aristotelian beliefs based on the work of Aristotle believed earth of centre of universe (homocentric) and only simple circular motions could take place in space. Used empirical thinking (learning from observation and experience. Carrying out experiments)
2) Platonic beliefs based on work of Plato. More theoretical approach, moved away from observed knowledge
- experiments and observations were key to understanding nature
What were caladiums Ptolemy’ view on the universe? What impact did this have on belief in WC?
- born in 90AD and believed that planets moved around earth
- tracked position of sun and earth using tables
- thought more planets and stars could exist. Unlike Aristotle he believed planets moved on an epicycle
- ideas were nothing new
- based on theories with little observed evidence to back it up
- enforced perceptions.
What were Nicolaus Copernicus’ ideas about the universe? What impact did this have on beliefs in WC?
- proposed universe was made up of 8 spheres with sun at centre
- everything in solar system moved around the sun
- planets did not interfere with one another
- planets moved in perfect circles and first to suggest that earth did move
- if earth moved there was no room for heaven and hell. Put holes in religion
- book marked the start of sci rev and banned by catholics
- he was generally not taken seriously
- theoretical ideas with no empirical observations. Still believed that planets moved in perfect circles
What were Brahe’s views on the universe and what effect did this have on WC?
- Brahe was imperial astronomer for Holy Roman Empire in 1597
- All planets circled the sun but the sun circled the earth
- comets existed OUTSIDE of the atmosphere
- 1572 observed a new supernova. Went against ideas that universe could not change and was uniform
- stated that planets moved independently through space and not on spheres
- started the use of empirical thinking
- witchcraft could start to be explained by natural forces
What were Johannes Keplar’s views on the universe? What impact did this have on beliefs in WC?
- from 1600 assisted Brahe with his research.
- believed planets moved in elliptical orbits
- speed of planets vary depending on distance to the sun
- still thought God created universe and was deeply religious
- believed in Copernicus’ heliocentric view of the world
- first to suggest that planets further away from the sun took longer to travel around it
- used observations and maths to back up ideas. Use of maths pushed the subject further
- interested in mysticism and godly explanations for events
What were Galileo Galilei’s ideas on the universe? How did this effect WC?
- mathematic professor born in Pisa, 1564
- believed tides caused by earth speeding up and slowing down on its axis
- discovered more stars and believed universe was much bigger than first thought
- rejected Brahe’s findings
- moon orbited circular earth and discovered moons of Jupiter
- rejected the right of the church to act as an authority over sci matters and believed only way to find the truth was through reflection and experience. Pope rejected burial and banned his books
- used a mathematical approach to study natural phenomena (Nothing new but was able to communicate his ideas well)
What was Galileo’s most notable publication? What was his biggest achievement?
- Two chief world system
- he saw himself as an heir to work of both Aristotle and Copernicus. Liked Aristotles logical approach and agreed with Copernicus’ views regarding the make-up of the universe
- the Two chief world systems he refers to are the Ptolemaic system (modified from Aristotle) and the Copernican system
- his biggest achievement was in developing a mathematical approach to the study of natural phenomena
What were Issac Newtons ideas on the universe? What impact did this have on WC?
- gravity.
- explained centrifugal force
- 3 laws of motion
- physics on earth did not work differently than everywhere else. We were not special
- proved keplars laws of planetary motion
- work represents final stage of a long process of theory and discovery
- completed the “mathematisation” of natural philosophy. He succeeded in making all his calculations work leaving no mysterious or grey areas
What was Newtons most significant publication?
- Principia Mathematica
- outlined his core beliefs and ideas
What were Newtons views on magic?
- believed in arcane knowledge and the power of magic
- initially speculated that gravity may be the work of magic of some kind
- obsessed with the number 7 and uses it in many of his accounts
- belief in cosmic-harmonies followed Keplar’s belief in an harmonious universe, where god created 6 planets to fit in with a perfect geometric plan
- he was an alchemist
- dedicated himself to studying the bible as well
Who was Francis Bacon?
- Born in london 1561
- enrolled at Trinity Collage, Cambridge at the age of 12 where he lived for 3 years
- recognised as an outstanding intellectual in his teens
- became MP in 1584
What is inductive reasoning?
- reasoning based on evidence
- allows for an original hypothesis to be proved false
What is deductive reasoning?
- conclusion made based on something already known or assumed
- a rule that applies to one instance will also apply to another instance
What approach did Bacon use?
- inductive reasoning
- sci discovery is best aided by accumulating as much data about the subject as possible
- method involved rejecting any preconceived theories or conclusions about the subject matter
- methodical and meticulous observation of facts was the best way to understand natural phenomena