Scientific Revolution and Astronomy

Study Notes

Geocentric theory posits that the Earth is at the center of the universe, a belief held until challenged during the Scientific Revolution.
Heliocentric theory, formulated by Nicolaus Copernicus, suggests that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun.

Johannes Kepler discovered that planets travel in elliptical orbits, revolutionizing our understanding of planetary motion.
Galileo Galilei, an Italian astronomer, invented the first working telescope and made significant astronomical observations that conflicted with church doctrines.
His findings prompted fear among Catholic and Protestant leaders, leading to threats of torture unless he renounced Copernicus’ theories.

A systematic approach for inquiry consists of identifying a problem, forming a hypothesis, performing experiments, recording data, and analyzing results.
Francis Bacon emphasized practical knowledge generation through scientific understanding to improve human life.

René Descartes developed analytical geometry, merging algebra with geometry.
Isaac Newton formulated the laws of gravity and the foundational laws of physics.
Deism emerged among many scientists and philosophers, claiming that God created the universe but does not intervene in its workings.
Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit created the first thermometer, advancing the measurement of temperature.
Edward Jenner pioneered vaccination to prevent smallpox, marking a significant milestone in medicine.
Robert Boyle studied alchemy and classical chemistry, applying the scientific method to his research.

The Enlightenment was a European intellectual movement aiming to apply reason and the scientific method across all societal aspects.
Thomas Hobbes authored "Leviathan," asserting that humans are naturally selfish and wicked.
The Social Contract defines the agreement through which individuals limit their rights for societal order.

John Locke wrote "Two Treatises of Government," introducing the concept of Natural Rights: life, liberty, and property.
Philosophes were Enlightenment thinkers who sought to uncover truths through reason.
Rationalism became a key belief, emphasizing that truth could be established through logical reasoning.

Voltaire, a prominent French philosopher, was a staunch advocate of deism and religious tolerance.
Montesquieu explored democratic theories of governance and the separation of powers.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau emphasized the importance of the social contract in society.
Cesare Beccaria contributed to Enlightenment thought by advocating for justice reform and humane legal practices.