History of Science: Ancient to Early Modern

Questions and Answers

What was the primary method of knowledge acquisition during the Ancient Science period?

Pure thought combined with experimentation (correct)

Mathematical modeling of natural phenomena

Religious scriptures interpretation

Experiential learning through observation

Which organization had significant control over scientific and philosophical expressions during the Middle Ages?

The church (correct)

The monarchy

Scientific societies

Universities

What significant approach emerged during the Modern Ages following the Renaissance?

An emphasis on traditional authority

The rejection of empirical observations

The introduction of religious doctrines

The establishment of the Scientific Method (correct)

What major change characterized the Renaissance period in relation to accepted scientific norms?

The challenge to Aristotelian norms by botanists Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Scientific Revolution that began during the Late Middle Ages?

A transformation in how society viewed nature Signup and view all the answers

How did the church's perspective on scientific inquiry change during the Renaissance?

It began to view scientific study as a form of piety. Signup and view all the answers

What was believed to be the cause of illnesses during the Middle Ages?

Imbalances of four bodily liquids Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the outcomes of the advancements in transport technologies during the Modern Ages?

Facilitation of exploration and imperialism Signup and view all the answers

Which reasoning methods were introduced during the Enlightenment Period?

Inductive and deductive reasoning Signup and view all the answers

How did early farmers contribute to the Scientific Revolution?

By studying and recording environmental conditions Signup and view all the answers

What was a defining feature of scientific thought during the Late Middle Ages?

Dependence on Aristotelian reasoning without question Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the relationship between the church and science evolve by the end of the Renaissance?

The influence of the church on science declined. Signup and view all the answers

What pivotal event during the Renaissance contributed to intellectual freedom?

The Protestant Reformation Signup and view all the answers

What aspect marked the emergence of modern science during the Modern Ages?

Application of scientific thought to non-scientific topics Signup and view all the answers

What motivated scientists during the Renaissance to replace flawed knowledge?

Pursuit of truth about natural phenomena Signup and view all the answers

Which development during the Renaissance did NOT directly contribute to the establishment of the Scientific Revolution?

The use of scientific methods in spiritual contexts Signup and view all the answers

What is a scientific paradigm primarily defined as?

A framework containing accepted views about a subject Signup and view all the answers

How does a paradigm shift differ from a small modification in scientific theory?

It completely alters the way scientific theories are understood Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the emergence of Science Technology and Society Studies (STS)?

It started as a response to the unquestioned benefits of science and technology Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of Silent Spring regarding DDT?

The ecological damage caused by its usage Signup and view all the answers

Thomas Kuhn's concept of a 'paradigm shift' suggests that it is acceptable to transform which aspect of scientific inquiry?

The assumptions underlying scientific practices Signup and view all the answers

What central theme did Stephen H. Cutcliffe assign to Science Technology and Society Studies?

The examination of science and technology as social constructs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding DDT is NOT true?

It is a composite of multiple chemical compounds Signup and view all the answers

What societal influences does the STS field primarily address?

Epistemological, political, and ethical questions Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of Ralph Nader's book 'Unsafe at Any Speed'?

It led to the introduction of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the initial understanding of pesticide use prior to Rachel Carson's investigations?

There was no investigation into their environmental effects. Signup and view all the answers

What persistent issue was highlighted by Ralph Nader regarding the automobile industry?

Automakers' negligence towards safety features. Signup and view all the answers

What type of health issue has the World Health Organization recognized related to gaming?

Gaming disorder. Signup and view all the answers

Which major impact did Rachel Carson's work have concerning environmental awareness?

It initiated the modern environmental movement. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary roles of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as stated in Nader's influence?

To prevent injuries and reduce crashes. Signup and view all the answers

What did the introduction of safety features like airbags and anti-lock brakes signify for the automotive industry?

A shift towards prioritizing consumer safety. Signup and view all the answers

How did the automobile's impact on society evolve over the last century according to Nader's perspective?

It brought significant sorrow and risk of injury to many individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ancient Science (60,000 BC to 650 AD)

Knowledge developed through pure thought and experimentation to understand theoretical concepts.
Discovery of patterns in nature revealed rules governing the universe, allowing predictions about natural behavior.

Middle Ages (3rd to 12th Centuries)

Intellectual stability prevailed, with church oversight on scientific and philosophical inquiries.
Truths about nature were derived from biblical teachings and Aristotelian philosophy.
The belief existed that health depended on the balance of four bodily fluids.

Late Middle Ages: Renaissance Period (1350s – 1650s)

Marked transition from medieval to modern thought with the onset of geographical explorations.
Botanists began challenging Aristotelian norms prompting intellectual freedom and reconstruction.
The Protestant Reformation led to questioning established beliefs, paving the way for the Scientific Revolution.

Scientific Revolution (1450 – 1630)

Series of events transformed societal views on nature, encompassing advancements in various scientific fields including physics, chemistry, and biology.
Brick-by-brick dismantling of erroneous ancient beliefs that the church had upheld for centuries.
Farmers initiated empirical observations of environmental conditions to enhance agricultural yields.

Enlightenment Period

Emerged from the Scientific Revolution as scientists sought to define laws governing natural phenomena.
The church transitioned from opposition to scientific inquiry, recognizing it as a form of appreciating divine creation.

Modern Ages (1650s - Present)

Establishment of the Scientific Method, introducing inductive and deductive reasoning.
Scientific thought applied to both scientific and non-scientific subjects, eventually reducing the church's influence.
Advancements led to improved prevention and treatment of diseases, as well as breakthroughs in astronomy.
Exploration and imperialism surged due to advancements in transportation technology.

Scientific Paradigm Shift

A scientific paradigm represents the commonly accepted views and research directions in a discipline.
Paradigm shifts, as explored by Thomas Kuhn, create radical changes in scientific theories and perceptions of reality.

Science, Technology, and Society (STS)

An interdisciplinary field focusing on science and technology as social constructs with profound societal implications.
Emerged in the mid-1960s amidst growing skepticism regarding the uncritical valorization of science and technology.

DDT and Environmental Concerns

DDT, a pesticide, initially used extensively, later revealed harmful environmental impacts highlighted in Rachel Carson’s "Silent Spring."
Carson documented the misuse of powerful chemicals without understanding their potential harms.

Automotive Safety Advocacy

Ralph Nader’s book "Unsafe at Any Speed" criticized car manufacturers for inadequate safety measures prior to the introduction of federal safety regulations.
Nader’s work resulted in the creation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to promote vehicle safety.

Recognizing New Health Concerns

"Gaming disorder" acknowledged by the World Health Organization as a mental health condition, reflecting a shift in understanding health in a digital age.

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Description

Explore the evolution of scientific thought from Ancient Science through the Middle Ages to the Scientific Revolution. This quiz covers key developments, major philosophical influences, and the transition to modern scientific approaches. Test your knowledge of the significant figures and ideas that shaped our understanding of the natural world.