AP Euro Unit 4: The scientific revolution and Enlightenment

Scientific Revolution

Scientific advances that began during the Northern Renaissance in the 16th century laid the groundwork for a dramatic shift in thinking about the universe and humanity's place in it.

Scientific method

an approach based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning

Francis Bacon

encouraged scientists of his time to build their knowledge on the foundation of inductive reasoning, Bacon encouraged

inductive reasoning

using observation and experimentation to collect small bits of information

deductive reasoning

a logical process that moves from general principles to specific conclusions

Rene Descartes

Started deductive reasoning and wanted scientists to think like students of geometry. "I think there I am"

Isaac Newton

Brought 2 complementary forms of reasoning together into the scientific method. Also, created the law of gravity.

natural law

general principles about the way the world worked

astronomy

term for the study of the universe beyond the Earth

Cosmology

A branch of astronomy concerned with the origins and structures of the universe.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Polish Mathematician and natural philosopher. Questioned the Ptomelic veiws and believed in a Heliocentric. Published "On the revolution of the Heavenly Spheres"

Heliocentric

sun centered universe, planets still orbit in a circle.

Johannes Kepler

Found planets orbit to be elliptical rather than circular, still supported the Heliocentric model but thinking the planets orbit elliptical.

Galileo Galilei

Became first European to build and use a telescope, with this telescope he proved that the planets were not etheral bodies but were similair to earth with their composition. Published "The starry Messenger", but later was found guilty of heresy by the Catholic church, and he was placed under house arrest until his death.

telescope

optical instrument

Galen

Greek physician who dissected animals rather than humans, his works were often incorrect.

Paracelsus

used observation and experiment to develop a theory of disease.

Andreas Vesalius

emphasized anatomical research including dissect of humans. Wrote "On the Fabric of the Human Body"

William Harvey

corrected Galen's ideas on the circulatory system, describing the body as an integrated system. Demonstrated that the heart was the starting point for blood circulation which makes a complete circuit through the body's arteries and veins.

alchemy

medieval chemical philosophy based on changing metal into gold; a seemingly magical power or process of transmutation

astrology

the study of heavenly bodies as they influenced human activity

Hobbes Key Idea

People give up individual freedoms for security. Governement must be powerful to keep peace.

Hobbes Major writings and legacy

Leviathan. Established the concept of the social contract.

Locke key idea

Governments duty to protect citizens natural rights to life, liberty, and property. People's right to revolt if govt abuses its power.

Rousseau key idea

The social contract between govt and people. The concept of general will

Rousseau major writings and legacy

The social contract

Wollstonecraft key idea

womens equality

Voltaire Key idea

Freedom of religion, Freedom of speech, defense of enlightened despotism.

Montesquieu key idea

Three branches of govt. The seperation of powers to check absolutism.

Diderot key idea

Tried to articulate the essential principles of every art and science.

Diderot Major writings and legacy

Encylopedie

Beccaria Key idea

Criminal justice; abolition of torture. Punishment consistent with crime commitment, regardless of class.

Beccaria Major writings and legacy

On crimes and Punishments

Deism

the belief that god has created the universe and set it in motion and then left it to run on its own according to natural law

David Hume

advocated for skepticism and published "An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding" and "Dialogues concerning natural Religion"

skepticism

asserted that all knowledge and beliefs should be approached with doubt.

Atheism

the complete rejection of God and religion

The Social Contract

written by Rousseau stating that the government officials cannot rule without the consent of the people

Encyclopedie

written by Diderot, the "circle of teachings"

Physiocrats

argued that land and labor were sources of wealth, saw govt's function as the protection of life,liberty, and property.

John Wesley

formed the Methodist movement

Laissez-faire

The government should not interfere in the economy

coffeehouse

hangout spot were customers could buy coffe, read newspaper, and discuss news and ideas.

salon

Informal social gatherings at which writers, artists, philosophes, and others exchanged ideas

Adam Smith

Scottish economist who wrote the Wealth of Nations a precursor to modern Capitalism.