Scientific Revolution Documents
Explain Copernicus' view of the universe and explain why this view of the universe may have been controversial during this time period (1530's).
Copernicus believed that the Earth was not the center of the universe, but in fact the sun was. His view of the universe was that all of the planets orbited the sun. His view was controversial during this time period because the geocentric model was the model that was currently accepted by the bible and the people. His model went against the bible and the majority of people, therefore it was very controversial.
Galileo was both a scientist and a devoutly religious man. How do both of those beliefs shape his point of view about this issue?
He knows that the Bible should not be questioned, but he thinks that God has given us a gift to expand our knowledge and people should take advantage of that.
How does he use religious beliefs to support the work of science? How is this connected to the ideals of the Renaissance?
He said that God didn't give us knowledge and the ability to learn and prosper just for us to do nothing with it. He connects the age of science that they are in to show that they must use these as the most appropriate aids in the true meaning of the Bible and in the investigation of those meanings which are necessarily contained in them. He said that the authority of the Bible was designed to persuade men of those beliefs and propositions which could not be credible by science or by any other men that through the very mouth of the holy spirit.
Explain why the Catholic Church might condemn Galileo for his scientific practices and beliefs?
His practices and beliefs were contrary to the Holy Scripture and his findings were breaking the sacred law. Going against the teachings could be seen as heresy, so the Church saw it fit to condemn him and his beliefs.
According to the author, what are some of the reasons that there was limited science during the Middle Ages?
Men had no time for intellect or occupations like science, men did not want to engage in activities as mundane as science, religious belief, and the men were lacking in scientific incentive.
How can you relate Newtons' laws to Renaissance ideals/thinking?
Newton's laws are similar to those of the Renaissance because they both have a lot to deal with nature itself, and the nature of things. Both wanted to know why things happen, how are they impacted, and the general idea of things/phenomena.
What challenges did scientific minded people face during the 16th and 17th Century?
Scientific people faced persecution and expulsion from the Catholic world in the 16th and 17th century because their scientific findings were against the teachings of the Bible.
According to Galileo, what is the proper relationship between scripture and science?
Scripture had no place in science. The Bible shows the way to go to heaven, not the way the heavens go.
Explain how the Catholic Church is biased in their beliefs towards the work of Galileo and other scientists.
The Catholic Church does not want to deal with anything scientific that goes against the teachings of the Bible. Knowing that scientific discoveries could be seen as bad in the religion because it breaks the law, they were biased and only wanted to accept things that went with the bible, not against it.
Sir George Clark focuses on the motivations for people to study science in the 16th Century. Summarize these motives and explain the connection of these motives to the ideals of the Renaissance.
The motives for people to study science were economics, religion, and medical. The Renaissance was also heavily influenced by these same motives. The Renaissance was imposed because of the ideals of the economy, religions, and the needed medical advancements.
