Chapter 2 Study Guide Part 2

Paradigm

A general consensus of belief that serves as a mental framework to interpret the world.

Pythagorean Paradigm

A paradigm that includes the belief that celestial objects move in perfectly circular orbits, at a uniform speed, with the Earth at the center.

Geocentric Universe

The belief that the Earth is at the center of the universe, with celestial objects revolving around it.

Heliocentric Universe

The belief that the Sun is at the center of the universe, with celestial objects, including the Earth, revolving around it.

Ptolemaic Model

A geocentric model developed by Ptolemy that used epicycles and equants to explain the motions of planets.

Copernican Model

A heliocentric model developed by Nicolaus Copernicus that accounted for observations and emphasized circular, uniform motion.

Telescope

An instrument used for astronomical observations, which allowed Galileo Galilei to make significant discoveries.

Inertia

The tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.

Forces

Interactions between objects that cause changes in their motion.

Scientific Realism

The view that scientific theories accurately describe the way the universe actually is.

Johannes Kepler

A scientist who worked on the mathematical details of the geocentric universe and had a mystical neoplatonic faith.

God's Plan

The belief that the universe has a divine purpose or design, which motivates scientists like Kepler to understand it.