AP Euro Chapter 16 - Toward a New World View, Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment

Skepticism

Bayle's idea that nothing can ever be known beyond all doubt

Tabula Rasa

A blank tablet on which the environment writes the individual's understanding and beliefs

Experimental method

The approach, pioneered by Galileo, that the proper way to explore the workings of the universe was through repeatable experiments rather than speculation

Law of inertia

A law formulated by Galileo that states that motion, not rest, is the natural state of an object, and that an object continues in motion forever unless stopped by some external force

Copernican hypothesis

The idea that the sun, not the earth, was the center of the universe

Rococo

A popular style in Europe in the 18th century, known for its soft pastels, ornate interiors, sentimental portraits, and starry-eyed lovers protected by hovering cupids

Natural Philosophy

An early modern term for the study of the nature of the universe, its purpose, and how it functioned; it encompassed what we would call "science" today

Salon

Regular social gatherings held by talented and rich Parisians in their homes, where philosophes and their followers met to discuss literature, science, and philosophy

Enlightenment

The influential intellectual and cultural movement of the late 17th century that introduced a new worldview based on the use of reason, the scientific method, and progress

What were the central concepts of the Enlightenment?

The main concept of the Enlightenment was that natural science could and should be used to examine and understand all aspects of life. Also, the scientific method was capable of discovering the laws of human society as well as those of nature. Finally, it was all least possible for human beings to create better societies and better people.

Enlightened absolutism

Term coined by historian to describe the rule of 18th century monarchs who without renouncing their own absolute authority adopted Enlightenment ideals of rationalism, progress, and tolerance

Rationalism

A secular way of thinking in which nothing was to be accepted on faith, and everything was to be submitted to reason

Contrast the old Aristotelian-medieval worldview with that of the 16th and 17th centuries. What were the contributions of Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton? What is meant my Newton's "synthesis"?

The contrast between the old Aristotelian-medieval worldview and that of the 16th and 17th century was that in the 16th and 17th century, the proper way to explore the workings of the universe was through repeatable experiments, rather the speculations. Copernicus came up with his hypothesis by reasoning that the sun, rather than the earth, was the center of the universe. By observing the planets and starts with the naked eye, Brahe compiled much more complete and accurate data than ever before. Kepler developed 3 new and revolutionary was of planetary motion. Galileo came up with the experimental method and the law of inertia. The key feature of the Newtonian synthesis was the law of universal gravitation.

What was the effect of Catherine's reign on (a) the Russian nobility (b) the Russian serfs and (c) the position of Russia in the European balance of power?

Under Catherine's reign, the Russian nobility had absolute control over their serfs. The nobility also was freed from taxes and state services forever. Serfdom extended into new areas, such as Ukraine. Her armies scored victories against the Ottomans and there by threatened to disturb the balance of power between Russia and Austria. However, Frederick proposed that Turkey be let off easily and that Prussia, Austria, and Russia take a slice of the weakly ruled Polish territory.

Parlement of Paris

Claimed the right to register royal decrees before they could become law.

Philosophes

A group of French intellectuals who proclaimed that they were bringing the light of knowledge to their fellow humans in the Age of Enlightenment

Aristotelian worldview

A motionless earth is fixed at the center of the universe and around it are ten separate moving transparent crystal spheres

Empiricism

A theory of inductive reasoning that calls for acquiring evidence through observation and experimentation rather than deductive reason and speculation

How did Bacon and Descartes contribute to the development of the modern scientific method?

Bacon and Descartes were influential in describing and advocating for improved scientific methods based on experimentation and mathematical reasoning. Bacon's work led to the widespread adoption of what was called "experimental philosophy". Descartes's discovery of analytic geometry provided scientists with an important new tool.

Did the Catholic and Protestant churches retard or foster scientific investigation?

Catholic and Protestant churches retarded scientific investigation. They rejected the Copernican hypothesis for it did not follow their religion. Galileo was thrown in jail for writing "Dialogue on the Two Chief Systems of the World" because it supported Copernicus.

What were the consequences of the rise of modern science?

Consequences of the rise of modern science include a competitive thinking towards science, a scientific community that became closely tied to the state and its agendas, and the creation of academies for science.

What were the scientific and religious implications of Copernicus's theory?

Copernican hypothesis put the stars at rest, suggested a universe of staggering size, and challenged the traditional hierarchy of the disciplines. By destroying the basic idea of Aristotelian physics, Copernicus had created the question, "Where then were Heaven and the throne of God?"

How did the new scientific theory and discoveries alter the concept of God and religion? Did science, in fact, come to dictate humanity's concept of God?

Copernicus destroyed the basic idea of Aristotelian physics- that the earthly sphere was quite different from the heavenly one. This ultimately ended "The Great Chain of Being" as well. The decree proposed by the Holy Office declared that belief in a heliocentric world was "foolish and absurd, philosophically false and formally heretical". By about 1640, the work of Brahe, Kepler, and Galileo had been largely accepted by the scientific community.

Cartesian dualism

Descartes's view that all of reality could ultimately be reduced to mind and matter

In what ways were Frederick of Prussia and Catherine of Russia enlightened monarchs?

Frederick of Prussia tolerantly allowed his subjects to believe as they wished in religious and philosophical matters. He also promoted the advancement of knowledge, improving his country's schools, and permitting scholars to publish their findings. He tried to improve the lives of his subjects directly. Catherine of Russia's goals included bringing the culture of western Europe to Russia, bringing domestic reform, and gaining territorial expansion.

Describe the goals and accomplishments of Frederick the Great.

Frederick was interested in the territorial expansion of Prussia. He ultimately was able to capture Silesia from Maria Theresa. The terrible struggle of the Seven Years' War tampered with Frederick though. Art brought him to consider him more humane policies for his subjects might also strengthen the state.

Describe the interests and actions of Madame du Chatelet and Madame Geoffrin?

Madame du Chatelet had a passion for science. She studied physics and mathematics and published scientific articles and translations, including the first translation of Newton's "Principles" into French. Madame Geoffrin held salons with the most influential philosophes of her time.

Law of universal gravitation

Newtons law that all objects are attracted to one another and that the force of attraction is proportional to the object's quantity of matter and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them

Discuss the origins and the momentum of the scientific revolution in terms of (a) its own "internal logic" and (b) external and nonscientific causes.

The Scientific Revolution drew on longterm developments in European culture as well as borrowings from Arabic scholars. The belief and acceptance of certain ideas rom the public were the external causes.

Who were the philosopher and what did they believe?

The philosophes were a group of intellectuals who proudly proclaimed that they, at long last, were bringing the light of reason to their ignorant fellow humans. It was their goal to reach a larger audience of elites. Montesquieu and Voltaire were two great philosophes during the Enlightenment.