Scientific Revolution

A major change in European thought, starting in the mid-1500s, in which the study of the natural world began to be characterized by careful observation and questioning of accepted beliefs.

Foundations of the Scientific Revolution

The Renaissance inspired curiosity about the world and the way things worked.

The Reformation encouraged new ways of thinking about God and salvation.

The Age of Exploration created an awareness of new places, people, animals, and plants that were previously unknown, including advancements in technology that helped people better understand their surroundings.

Ways of thinking about the Universe

Medieval View

Geocentric Theory

The earth is an immovable object located at the center of the universe

The sun, moon, and planets all revolved in circular orbit around the earth

Ways of thinking about the Universe

Revolutionary View Heliocentric Theory - 1543

Established by Nicolaus Copernicus: A sun-centered theory, planets and stars revolve around the sun

Johnnes Kepler demonstrated that the orbit of the planets was elliptical, not circular

Galileo built the telescope in 1609 and used it to study the stars. He used his own telescope to discover that Jupiter had four moons and the sun had dark spots. Published his findings in his book “The Starry Messenger”

Scientific Method

A logical procedure for gathering and testing ideas.

1. Stating a question/problem arising from an observation.

2. Forming a hypothesis, or assumption that is not yet proven.

3. Testing a hypothesis in an experiment or on the basis of data.

4. Analyzing and interpreting data to reach a conclusion (either proving or disproving the hypothesis).

Sir Isaac Newton

Laws of Motion Objects remain in state

unless force acts upon them

Acceleration happens when a force is applied to a mass

For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction

• Gravity, Motion, and Math in his book “The Mathematical principles of Natural Philosophy”

• Extensive work in optics and the reflective telescope

Sir Isaac Newton Laws of motion

Color theory ( refraction and defraction )

Reflecting telescope

Law of universal gravitation

Law of cooling

Calculus

The EnlightenmentWhat do you think the word Enlightenment

means?

Look at the root of the word:

Enlightenment

What does it mean to shed light on an idea?

What does it mean to enlighten someone?

Enlightenment

Also known as the Age of Reason

Various philosophies and social sentiments that affected politics, religion, economics, etc

Arrive at truths about human nature/government/etc through scientific method

Philosophy

Philosophy – 1. The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence, esp. when considered as an academic discipline.

2. A set of views and theories of a particular philosopher concerning such study or an aspect of it

Changing Idea: The Right to Govern

Old Idea: A monarch’s rule is justified by divine right

New Idea: A government's power come from the consent of the governed

The various freedoms enjoyed in many countries today are a result of enlightenment thinking

Philosophers advocate reason

Descartes

Often credited with being the father of modern philosophy

Cogito ergo sum - I think, therefore I am

Lawyer – went to Jesuit college at age 8 and studied literature, science, and mathematics

Published “Geometry” - combo of algebra and geometry or Analytical Geometry (Cartisian Geometry)

Science and Math could be used to explain everything in nature

God exists, is benevolent, and allows me to exist as a human

Thomas Hobbes

Leviathan (1651) -Humans are naturally selfish and wicked

An absolute ruler is necessary to control the state and keep order

Social Contract Theory: People give up their rights to a ruler so that the ruler can keep control

John Locke Physician, Medical researchers,

Political philosopher and economist

Two Treatises on Government – natural law and natural rights

Natural state – all people equal

People are born with three natural rights – “Life, Liberty, Property” – fundamental to U.S. Declaration of Independence

Separation of powers between church and state

Voltaire

French writer

Criticized the clergy, wealthy classes, and government in his writing

Supported tolerance, reason, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech

Voltaire Religion should be

tolerated

Wrote satire – making fun through irony/sarcasm

Denounced French society

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Published over 70 books of political essays, philosophy and drama.

Democracy is ignorant! Pic….

Democracy

Rousseau French writer

Humans are naturally good, but are corrupted by civilization. All people are equal. – “Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains”

Government should be guided by the wishes of society “general will”(direct democracy).

People give control to the government in exchange for a common good.

Education – goal is to create a good, moral citizen