9-Weeks World History Exam Study Guide: Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the key individuals, theories, terms, and principles of the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment.

Scientific Revolution

A period when scholars began using observation, experimentation, mathematics, and reason to understand the natural world.

Geocentric theory

A theory stating that Earth is the center of the universe.

Heliocentric theory

A theory stating that the sun is at the center of the solar system.

Scientific method

An organized process used to investigate questions and test ideas.

Hypothesis

A possible explanation that can be tested.

Data

Information collected through observation or experimentation.

Nicolaus Copernicus

A scientist who proposed the heliocentric theory, stating that Earth and other planets revolve around the sun, challenging the traditional geocentric model.

Galileo Galilei

A scientist who used a telescope to observe objects in space, provided evidence supporting the heliocentric theory, and came into conflict with Church authorities because his findings challenged traditional interpretations about the universe.

Johannes Kepler

A scientist who determined that planets travel around the sun in elliptical orbits rather than perfect circles, providing additional evidence supporting the heliocentric model.

Isaac Newton

A scientist who developed laws explaining motion and universal gravity, demonstrating that the natural world operates according to laws that can be understood using observation and mathematics.

Francis Bacon

A thinker who emphasized learning through observation and experimentation, believing scientists should gather data before reaching conclusions.

René Descartes

A thinker who emphasized the use of reason and logical thinking, encouraging people to question assumptions rather than automatically accepting established ideas.

Steps of Scientific Investigation

The logical order of scientific inquiry: 1. Ask a Question, 2. Develop a Hypothesis, 3. Conduct an Experiment, 4. Collect and Analyze Data, 5. Draw a Conclusion.

Repetition of Experiments

The practice of repeating experiments to determine whether the results are reliable.

Printing Press

A technology that helped scientific ideas spread quickly during the Scientific Revolution.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement that applied reason to government, economics, and society.

Philosophes

The term used for Enlightenment thinkers.

Social Contract

An agreement between people and their government to create an orderly society.

Natural Rights

Rights that people possess simply because they are human, identified by John Locke as life, liberty, and property.

Separation of Powers

The practice of dividing government power among different branches (such as legislative, executive, and judicial) to prevent too much power from being concentrated in one person or institution.

Freedom of Speech

Allowing people to express ideas without unnecessary government restriction.

Censorship

Government restrictions on information, books, speech, or other forms of expression.

Laissez-faire

An economic policy supporting limited government interference in economic activity.

Free Market

A market that allows economic decisions to be largely determined by buyers and sellers.

Capitalist Enterprise System

An economic system based largely on private ownership and competition.

Salons

Gatherings where Enlightenment ideas were discussed and debated.

Enlightenment Despot

An absolute ruler who adopted some Enlightenment-inspired reforms while maintaining significant political power.

Thomas Hobbes

An Enlightenment philosopher who believed human beings without government could experience conflict and violence, and supported a strong government capable of maintaining order through a social contract.

John Locke

An Enlightenment philosopher who believed government receives authority from the consent of the governed to protect natural rights, and that people can resist or replace a government if it repeatedly fails to protect those rights.

Montesquieu

An Enlightenment philosopher who believed political power should be divided among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Voltaire

An Enlightenment thinker who supported freedom of speech and religious tolerance.