The Scientific Revolution began with the European re-discovery of Aristotle in the 12th and 13th centuries.

The earliest followers were burned at the stake as heretics because they went against church teachings.

Over time, teachings are combined with church doctrine to form a watered – down science.

In the Middle Ages, scientists were mostly concerned with alchemy – standard chemistry problems

Roger Bacon – most important scientist of this time.

Invented gunpowder

Came up with experimental science

Despite this progress, people believed the center of truth and existence was God.

The Scientific Revolution gains momentum during the Renaissance with the works of Leonardo da Vinci in the middle of the 15th century, and Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th century.

“Here, right here, in the eye, here forms, here colors, right here the character of every part and everything of the universe are concentrated to a single point. How marvelous that point is! In this small space the universe can be completely reproduced and rearranged in its entire vastness!” (da Vinci)

Da Vinci is saying humans can see the universe in the same way as God can encompass the universe. This is a huge shift in the European thought! Now people were willing to extend their views to new things –science.

Arabic NumeralsDuring the Middle Ages, Europeans switched from Roman to Arabic numerals. This is very important for the Scientific Revolution. (Leonardo de Pisa)

Without this system, Copernicus could not have made his mathematical calculations,

Arabic numerals use a place number system consisting of ten numerals – when these are used up, a new number is added. Allows for fast calculations.

Try to multiply: MDMCXLVII BY CCCLXXII without converting to Arabic Numerals

AS THE WORLD TURNS

Geocentric Heliocentric

Old Geocentric Theory

Sun rises Sun sets

Earth seems still

Official view of the Catholic Church

Geocentric: Earth-centered

Proof:

Earth seems stationary

Sun seems to move across the sky

Bible quotes

Blind acceptance of Greek teachings

Man views himself as focus of the universe

Geocentric Theory

Teachings of Aristotle – 300 BCE

World is made up of 5 elements:

Earth, air, water, fire and Quintessence

Earth does not rotate.

Teachings of Aristotle

Clear, round, domes hold planets and stars.

Laws of Motion:

Things move by weight or violent force

Ptolemy 150 CE (Greek)

Agrees with Aristotle

Used math and Geometry to “prove” the Geocentric Theory

Problems:

•Planets must travel in loop orbits

•Does not fit calendar

•Math is forced

NEW HELIOCENTRIC THEORY

The theory is introduced by Copernicus (1473 – 1543) a Polish astronomer and mathematician

Goal: Fix the problems of Ptolemy (Calendar and math)

Make the sun the center and the math works!

HELIOCENTRIC THEORY

Sun is the center of the universe.

The earth revolves around the sun and it rotates

Problem: It goes against the teachings Aristotle and “common sense”

On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres, the book written by Copernicus is not published until after his death

Tycho Brahe (Danish mathematician)

Really supported Aristotle- wanted to prove Copernicus wrong

Provides the mathematical evidence that Copernicus is correct.

Takes measurements for over 20 years

Leaves his work to assistant Johannes Kepler

Johannes Kepler (1571 – 1630) German

The Proof: Used Brahe’s measurements –made one adjustment, and the math worked perfectly!

Laws:

Planets travel in an Ellipse

Planets travel slow then fast

Figure distance from sun by how long it takes to revolve around sun. T² = ka³

Galileo Tells The World

Galileo (1564 – 1642) Italian

On Motion:

Things fall at an equal rate

Objects tend to stay in motion

Always liked proving Aristotle wrong

First Telescope

Sees Venus, moon, and 4 moons of Jupiter

Visual proof Copernicus is correct

Galileo tries to convince the church – told to be quiet

Wrote The Dialogs – 3 guys talking (Galileo, Copernicus, and Ptolemy). Used the book to prove his point, but says Ptolemy is correct

Wrath of Catholic Church:

Defensive of Criticism – Galileo put on trialFound Guilty of heresy – going against the PopeSentenced to house arrest until his death

Never figured out gravity.

The final piece – Gravity!

Sir Isaac Newton 1642 – 1727 (England)

Explains orbit of planets: Gravity and Inertia

Created Calculus to help explain

Finalized the Laws Of Motion

Law #1 Objects in motion tend to stay in motion, objects at rest tend to stay at rest. (Unless acted upon by another force)

Law #2 Change in motion is proportional to force

Law #3 For each action there is an equal and opposite reaction

Law of Gravity: All objects have a natural attraction that varies with mass and distance