Scientific, Philosophical, and Political Developments

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to scientific, philosophical, and political developments during the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Believed in heliocentrism and wrote 'The Revolution of the Heavenly Spheres'.

Geocentrism

The belief that the Earth is the center of the universe, held by Aristotle and Ptolemy.

Heliocentrism

The model where the Sun is considered the center of the universe.

Vesalius

Rejected Galen’s idea that blood came from the liver; stated that blood originates in the heart.

William Harvey

Confirmed that blood comes from the heart and wrote 'On the Motion of Heart and Blood'.

Galileo Galilei

Used the telescope to observe lunar craters, mountains, and sunspots.

Three Laws of Motion

1) Object in motion stays in motion; 2) Acceleration is the rate of change of motion; 3) Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Scientific Method

A systematic approach to inquiry emphasizing empirical evidence and experimentation.

Inductive reasoning

A method of reasoning starting with specific observations to form general principles.

Deductive reasoning

A method of reasoning that begins with general principles and proceeds to specific cases.

Deism

Belief that God created the universe but does not intervene in its affairs.

Empiricism

The theory that knowledge is primarily derived from sensory experience.

Social Contract

The theory that a government's authority comes from the consent of the governed.

Physiocrats

French intellectuals who believed land is the only true source of wealth.

Laissez-faire

An economic system where transactions between private parties are free from state intervention.

Voltaire

Criticized Christianity and advocated for freedom of speech and religious tolerance.

Mary Wollstonecraft

An early advocate for women's rights, stating women are not naturally inferior to men.

Cesarre Beccaria

Advocated for the abolition of the death penalty and humane treatment in punishment.

Diderot’s Encyclopedia

Attempted to organize all human knowledge alphabetically, moving away from religious explanations.

Enlightened Despots

Monarchs who embrace Enlightenment principles, such as education and religious tolerance.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Believed children are innately good and should have their instincts fostered.

Baroque Art

Art emphasizing power and emotion, characterized by dramatic effects.

Rococo Art

Art focused on grace, gentle themes, soft lines, and bright colors.

Pietism

A movement that emphasized personal faith and emotional experience in religion.

Agricultural Revolution

A period of agricultural development that transformed farming practices.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, empiricism, and skepticism.

Tabula Rasa

The idea that the mind is a blank slate at birth, shaped by experiences.

Political Thought

The development of ideas about governance and authority during the Enlightenment.

Salons

Elegant gatherings held by upper-class women for intellectual discussion.

Natural Law

A philosophy asserting that certain rights or values are inherent in human nature.

Literacy Increase

Growth in access to education, largely establishing primary and secondary schools across Europe.

Catherine the Great

Empress of Russia known for promoting education and consolidating state power.