Scientific Revolution Flashcards

Scientific Revolution

• Emergence of modern science during the early modern period.
• Transformations in mathematics, physics, astronomy, biology, medicine, and chemistry.
• Led to improved medicine and increased survival rates from diseases.
• Established foundations for modern technology like computers and phones.

Nicolaus Copernicus

• Renaissance mathematician and astronomer.
• Formulated a heliocentric model with the Sun at the center of the solar system.
• His theory initiated the Scientific Revolution.

Heliocentric View

• Model with the Sun at the center of the solar system.
• Revolutionized understanding of astronomy and influenced advancements in medicine and agriculture.

Tycho Brahe

• Danish astronomer known for accurate astronomical observations.
• His data provided the foundation for Kepler's laws of planetary motion.

Johannes Kepler

• German mathematician and astronomer (1571-1630).
• Best known for laws of planetary motion, establishing elliptical orbits for planets.
• His work laid groundwork for Isaac Newton's theory of universal gravitation.

Galileo Galilei

• Italian physicist and astronomer (1564-1642).
• Improved telescope design, facilitating astronomical discoveries.
• Discovered four moons of Jupiter; supported heliocentric theory.
• Known for conflict with the Roman Catholic Church, resulting in house arrest.

Francis Bacon

• English philosopher and statesman (1561-1626).
• Advocate of the scientific method; introduced inductive reasoning.
• Influential through his works that shaped modern scientific thought.

Inductive Method

• Reasoning approach where premises provide strong evidence but not absolute proof for conclusions.

René Descartes

• French mathematician and philosopher; father of analytic geometry.
• Key works include "Meditations on First Philosophy" and "Principles of Philosophy."
• Famous phrase: "I think, therefore I am."
• Contributions to analytic geometry remain significant in modern applications.

Deductive Reasoning

• Logical process of reasoning from general statements to reach a certain conclusion.

Isaac Newton

• English physicist and mathematician (1642-1727) regarded as one of the most influential scientists.
• Published "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy" in 1687, foundational to physics and mathematics.