U4- Science! Flashcards
Epistemology
How We Know Things
Ancient System of Knowledge
Based on Aristotelian principles and Church authority.
Relied on reasoning, not empirical evidence.
Geocentrism: Earth-centered universe, divine forces.
New Epistemology
Scientific Method
Francis Bacon
Inductive reasoning—observation, experimentation, general principles.
René Descartes
Deductive reasoning—logical proofs, “Cogito, ergo sum.”
Cosmology
Understanding the Universe
Geocentrism
Earth-centered, Ptolemaic view; supported by the Church.
Heliocentrism
Sun-centered system
Copernicus (1543)
Proposed the heliocentric model.
Galileo
Observed moons of Jupiter, Moon’s imperfections via telescope.
Kepler
Planetary motion with elliptical orbits
Astronomy & Physics
Galileo: Motion studies laid groundwork for Newton’s laws.
Newton: Unified framework for motion and gravitation.
Biology & Anatomy
Microscope advances (e.g., Anton van Leeuwenhoek in microbiology).
Progress in anatomical observations and dissections.
Scientific Societies
Institutions like the Royal Society of London and the French Academy fostered collaboration.
Women in the Scientific Revolution
Participated despite barriers (15% of German astronomers were women).
Often worked alongside male relatives.
Excluded from universities and scientific societies.
Contributions overlooked, highlighting modern movements for women in STEM.
State Competition and Scientific Development
States supported science for practical purposes:
Navigation (exploration and colonization).
Military advancements (weapons technology).
National prestige.
Fragmented authority (e.g., Holy Roman Empire) → competition, driving progress.
Studying the Scientific Revolution
Contrast ancient vs. modern epistemology and cosmology.
Explore key figures: Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton.
Analyze societal impacts: Women’s contributions, state-supported science.
Connect to broader movements like the Renaissance and Enlightenment.
