The Scientific Revolution Flashcards
When did the Scientific Revolution take place?
1550 - 1800
What are Aristotelian Beliefs?
Based on work by Aristotle, universe was homocentric (only circular motions in space)
What is an empirical approach?
Learning through observation
What are Platonic Beliefs?
Based on work by Plato, where he thought that you cannot gain knowledge from physical things.
How was Maths used in the Scientific Revolution?
It was used to make precise calculations about how the world works
How were observations and experiments used in the Scientific Revolution?
They were used to gain a better understanding of Nature
How did Ptolemy think the universe worked?
He thought:
- Planets move in perfect circles
- They move around the earth
What was wrong with Ptolemy’s theory?
By the late middle ages, it had become far too complex
What did Johannes Kepler do?
He theorised about the universe. He said:
- Planets travel in elliptical orbits
- Planets do not travel at a constant speed
- Distance from a planet to the sun, cubed, is equal to the time for an orbit, squared.
What did Galileo do?
He argued that the earth rotated on its own axis and also orbited around the sun.
He used his telescope to observe the universe
What did the Church do to silence Galileo?
He was found guilty of heresy and he was forced to get rid of his theories - his books were banned.
What did Isaac Newton do?
- Developed theory of Gravity
- Developed mathmatical equations which always worked
How did Newton’s findings affect science?
Proved that Kepler’s theories were correct through maths.This fuelled the authority of Science in society.
Why did the Catholic Church not like the findings of Newton, Galileo and Kepler?
As they went against the church - and they were proven to be correct. Thus the Church had less power and influence.
