Ancient Views About Science

Nichole BallesterosMa. Jennifer EstrellaChrista Del Rosario

- boy

(astroboy – boy) + naomi = ?

ASTRONOMY

-

(unicorn – corn) + verse = ?

universe

John 15:5

CALcosmo + log + eye + cal

cosmological

ic

(geodude – dude) + cent +ic = ?

geocentric

heel + o + (sounds like: celtics) = ?

Heliocentric

-cir

copper + knee + (circus – cir) = ?

copernicus

-facell + S + (facial –fa)

celestial

tall + E + me = ?

Ptolemy

pillows + sofi = ?

philosophy

-ppatient – p = ?

ancient

astronomy

Astronomy is a natural science that deals

with the study of and phenomena that

originate outside the Earth's atmosphere 

It is concerned with the evolution, physics,

chemistry, meteorology, and motion of

celestial objects, as well as the formation and

development of the universe

Ancient genesis myths and cosmological beliefs

The Hindu, Greek and Babylonian views of the universe share many of these common ideas.

Today, Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions believe in a universe that was created by God.

Ancient Views: Matter and Motion

Greeks and Aristotle (384-322 BC):“The world and the human race

had always existed and would continue to exist indefinitely.”

Emphasis on Natural PhilosophyGeocentric theory

Geocentric Theory

The universe has 2 domains:◦Celestial (The world of eternal and

perfect beings)◦Terrestrial (The world of temporal and

corruptible things)Note: Behavior of objects depends on

two things: (a)Nature of its composition, (b)domain

MotionsCelestial bodies- uniform circular motion.Terrestrial bodies- toward its

natural resting placeElements earth, wind, air, fire (on earth)

ether (celestial world)

The earth has:(a) spherical shape(b) state of rest(c) a position at the center of the universe.

Ptolemy’s Geocentric Model

Ptolemy’s Geocentric Model

Celestial World Terrestial World

Objects in space- heavenly bodies

Inhabited by life forms

Ptolemaic modelConsist of transparent spheres

◦Outer most sphere ~ celestial spheres of stars

◦Immovable earth ~ center of the universe

◦Each sphere ~ celestial body moving in uniform circular motion

Explained generally observed motions of the heavenly bodies and objects of the sublunary world

Some difficulties were met regarding changes in the shape, brightness and speed of bodies especially the retrogade motion◦Retrograde motion is backward movement of planets (east to west)

Ptolemy perfected geometrical devices like eccentric, epicycle-deferent system and equant to explain retrograde motion

Epicycle-deferent systemPlanet P moves uniform circular

motion on a small circle called the epicycle. The center of the epicycle (A) is a point on a large circle called deferent.

From B to C- eastwardFrom C to B- westward Then repeats itself

A word on Ancient Greek TheoryPtolemaic model was based on

fundamental philosophical concepts- Plato’s principle of uniform circular motion was assumed as a philosophical truth

Greeks-physical theory of the universe can be best understood in the context of prior assumption or preconceptions.

Greek philosophy influenced the beginning of science

Other scientific features of ancient Greek theory

1. Quantitative or measurable observations

2. Uniformity and order in motion3. Mathematical and geometrical

principles

Copernican Revolution

Heliocentric modelNikolai Copernicus- earth was

displaced from the center of the universe.

The earth was moving about the sun together with the planets

As regard to the retrograde motion- consequences of the relative motion of the earth with respect to the other planets

Its basic concern was still the same as that of Plato: a more simple geocentric system of the universe.

There was much opposition against the Copernican model from the standpoint of religious or faith ~ to believe in the heliocentric model was equivalent to heresy

It took more that 100 years before the heliocentric theory gained acceptance

Note to selfCopernicus’ theory did not

improve on the accuracy of predictions over the geocentric model

There were NO new fundamental facts or observations that the Copernican model could explain which the geocentric model could not

COMPARISON AND CONTRAST

•The earth is the center of the universe

•Accepted by religion and faith

•Failed to explain subsequent observations

• The sun is the center of the

universe

• Took a long time to be accepted

• Explained some observed motions

of heavenly bodies simpler

• Used planets and the

sun

• Based on Greek philoso-

phies