The Scientific Revolution (1543 - 1687)

Issac Newton (1642 - 1727) and the Newtonian Mechanics

1.) English Scientist 2.) Author of Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. 3.) Promoted the idea that the universe is like a giant machine that obeys certain physical laws. a.) For example: the force of an object is equal to it mass times its rate of acceleration (F=ma, or Newton Second Law of Motion) 4.) Newton's System (known as Newtonian Mechanics) works very well with ordinary objects at ordinary speeds and temperatures (throwing a baseball and figuring out where it will land).

Scientific Method

1.) Humans are able to understand the workings of the universe through the scientific method. a.) careful observations and/or controlled experiments. b.) publication of the results for review by others. i.) the results need to capable of being confirmed by others, including the replication of the original observations/experiments. c.) Others than build on these results, and this is how science gradually gives us a more accurate understanding of the world.

Geocentric Universe and Epicycles

1.) Ideas about the universe were based largely on Christian doctrines a.) a geocentric (Earth-centered) universe b.) the Earth is surrounded by transparent revolving spheres encompassing the planets and stars. c.) God and Heaven are outside of the set of spheres. d.) more or less Dante's worldview in The Divine Comedy. 2.) An appeal of a geocentric universe a.) satisfied common sense b.) Compatible with Christian teachings on the central place of humanity and the Earth in creation. 3.) Problem with defending a geocentric universe a.) one must create "epicycles" in the orbits of the planets in order for the observational data to support a geocentric universe.

Galileo Galilei (1564 - 1642) and his conflict with the Catholic Church

1.) Italian Astronomer 2.) Built his own advanced telescope to study the planets. a.) was the first to see mountains on the moon, sunspots, and the moons of Jupiter. 3.) Pledged his support for Copernicus, was tried for heresy by the Inquisition, and was forced to retract his views. 4.) Galileo is often used as a symbol of conflict between science and religion, or between science and those in power.

Limitations of Newtonian Mechanics

1.) Newton didn't realize that problems with his system arise when dealing with objects of extreme size (stars or atoms), extreme speeds (the speed of light), or extreme temperatures (absolute zero) a.) Example: The faster an object goes, the more time slows down; once the speed of light is reached, time stops.

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473 - 1543) and the Copernican Revolution

1.) Polish Astronomer a.) a common starting date for Scientific Revolution 2.) He showed that by placing the Earth at the center results in the creation of bizarre epicycles in the orbits of the plants. Therefore, the Earth must revolve around the sun. 3.) Promoted a heliocentric (sun-centered) solar system a.) often referred to as the "Copernican Revolution" or the removal of the medieval/Christian worldview of the Earth at the center of the universe.

Main Consquences of the Scientific Revolution

1.) Undercut the role of the Bible, religious leaders, and tradition in determining what's true about the universe. 2.) Gradually a mechanistic understanding of the universe began to appear. a.) humans became able to understand the workings of the universe through careful observations and controlled experiments. b.) the universe is like a machine that obeys basic physical laws.

Heliocentric Solar System

The Sun-centered solar system presented by Nicolas Copernicus.