The Scientific Revolution17th and 18th Century

New Thought

Around the late 16th Century, religion was still used to solve scientific issues. Rational thought led to practical application of scientific advancements. European political and military power increased.

“Ancients” vs. “Moderns”Carried along the traditions of the humanists. Promoted teachings of Aristotle.

Human reason = Key to knowledge. Humankind given reason by god. Use it describe the World.

“All our knowledge begins with the senses, proceeds then to the understanding, and ends with reason.”

- Immanuel Kant

René Descartes

Systematic doubt = Key to knowledge. Ability to reason was proof of existence.

Developed deductive reasoning = Moving from general principles to particular facts.

“I think, therefore I am.”

Sir Francis Bacon

Inductive reasoning = observation of the natural world leading to larger truths. Doubt produces knowledge.

Systematic observation and applied mathematics led to breakthroughs in astronomy. Copernican universe = Sun-centered celestial motion.

Found through the Scientific Method.

Isaac Newton

Most significant scientist in this period of time. (probably debatable) Stated the universal law of gravitation = All matter exerts gravitational attraction depending on its mass and the distance traveled.

Believed God was like a master clock maker, who created the universe and let it govern itself by a set of law.

Carl Linnaeus

Founded the disciplines of botany and zoology. Came up with the two name system of latin names for organisms. Created a single knowledge system that can be utilized across the globe.

Joseph Banks

Did a lot of work in the fields of botany and categorizing plants and animals.

Leading figure in using scientific methods to improve industries like agriculture.

Led to the enclosure movement in England, which started an agricultural revolution.

Right in time for the Industrial Revolution.