Scientific Revolution

Science before the Revolution

• Based on the teachings of Aristotle, Ptolemy, and Plato• Classical writings were “Christianized”

during the early Middle Ages• Cosmology• Physics

• 4 Major Elements known as “Classical Elements”• Fire• Air • Water• Earth

Scientific Revolutionaries• Nicolaus Copernicus• Challenged the view that the

universe revolved around the Earth• Proved the universe revolved

around the Sun• Johannes Kepler• Challenged the view that the

planets rotated in perfect circular orbits• Proved through math they orbit at

different speeds in elliptical orbits

Scientific Revolutionaries• Isaac Newton

• Combined inductive reasoning (specific facts lead to general conclusion) and deductive reasoning (general facts lead to specific conclusion)

• Challenged idea that universe is governed by religion

• Says that universe is governed by Natural Laws (ex. gravity)

• Galileo Galilei• Challenged Classical Elements• Proved mathematical formula for

acceleration of falling objects, law of inertia, champion of the experimental method

Consequences• Rise of Scientific Community and

Societies• Modern Scientific Method• Universe according to natural laws• Champions human reason and

intellect• Competition between Church and

Science• Deistic view of God (looking for

evidence based on reason instead of faith in the supernatural)

Enlightenment

What was it?• Continuation of Scientific Revolution

ideals of rationalism, humanism, and progressivism• Champions the rising Middle Class• Center of Enlightenment was Paris• Distrust of tradition and religion• Scientific Method applied to society• Society can improve on its own (without a supernatural force guiding them to a better life)

Enlightened Thinkers• Baron d’Holbach• Free will- God and the soul are

myths• Staunchly atheist

• David Hume• Humans cannot be rational,

everything is based on impressions• Immanuel Kant• Enlightenment was a personal

process- movement from immaturity to maturity, took courage• Rigid moral philosophy

Effects on Society• Class tensions between Middle and Upper

class- challenging tradition and bringing about a new notion of wealth (American and French Revolutions)• Popularization of science• Inclusion of women in intellectual subjects-

feminine influence that began in the Salons of wealthy families• Enlightened Despotism• Political reform with powerful monarch

pursuing educational, legal, and societal reform• Catherine the Great of Russia, Frederick

the Great of Prussia, etc.