Scientific revolution Flashcards
When did the scientific revolution only really matter?
After 1650.
What two dominant ideas shaped natural philosophy during the scientific revolution?
- Aristotelian beliefs- His view of the universe was homocentric. They believed in empiricism: This was the idea that knowledge can only come about as a result of experience.
- Platonic beliefs- This was that as the physical world is changing there is now way of gaining certain knowledge from it. Writers such as Ady, Scot and Webster adopted this approach as they believed that witchcraft cases should not just be taken at face value.
Outline the view in Kepler’s work:
He was the first to believe that all planets circled the sun. He still believed that the universe was created by God. he blurred the lines between science and math.
What was the influence of Kepler’s work?
It emphasised the importance of observation to prove a theory. This work encouraged scepticism.
Briefly outline and explain the beliefs of Galileo:
He supported copernicus ideas on the earth orbiting the sun. He argued that the earth rotated on its own axis. He used a telescope to observe the universe. All of his works made the church uneasy. He famously produced ‘Two chief world systems’, which was a debate about the universe between 3 thinkers.
What was the impact of Galileo’s work?
After the publication of his work he was found guilty of heresy and his books were banned. He rejected the authority of the church to act over scientific matters. He made discoveries through observations. His works were more accessible as they were written in Italian.
What were the general beliefs in Isaac Newton’s work?
He developed the theory of gravity. This was able to prove Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, which fueled the authority of science. Ultimately in the process, scepticism and the importance of empirical proof was given a further boost by his findings.
However, what were the limits of Isaac Newton’s work?
- Lots of people still believed in arcane knowledge and magic.
- He was an alchemist.
What is Francis Bacon the founder of?
Empiricism. He focused on collecting evidence in order to formulate a theory. He emphasised inductive rather than deductive reasoning.
What is inductive and deductive reasoning?
Inductive: Reasoning based on evidence. This research approach allows an original hypothesis to be proven false.
Deductive: A conclusion is based on something already known or assumed. A rule that would apply to one instance would also apply to others.
What are the limits of Bacon’s approach?
It did not deny the existence of magic. Instead it allowed it.
Some members of the Royal Society adopted his approach to try and prove the existence of witchcraft.
What were the significances of Gresham college that was founded in 1597?
- It impacted unis.
2. People were chosen from Gresham college to study geometry and astronomy at Oxford uni.
What were the limitations to Greshams role?
- It was not a formally recognised institution.
2. Its impact was limited to academic circles.
What are the significances of the Royal society?
- It adopted Bacon’s approach. It was said to have undermined the belief in witchcraft as it focused on critical investigation.
- Webster’s ‘The displaying of supposed witchcraft in 1677 was dedicated to the society.
- The society was a second chance for those who were banished from Oxford. It meant that they had a better chance of getting their opinions out in the real world.
- It help publish the work is Isaac Newton and John Locke
What are the limits to the royal society’s role?
- its early members were interested in magical areas of study.
- It is too experimental.
- It never provides unchallengeable knowledge.
