Scientific Revolution Notes

Flashcards covering people and concepts of the Scientific Revolution.

The Scientific Revolution

Europe during the 1500's and 1600's

Who was Zengh He?

1371 – 1433 or 1435) was a Chinese mariner, explorer, diplomat, fleet admiral, and court eunuch during China's early Ming dynasty.

Scientific Revolution

Beginning of modern science, challenging all accepted knowledge, proving the laws of nature through experimentation.

Who was Ptolemy?

2nd century Greek astronomer who believed that Earth was a fixed body at the center of the universe and that the sun and planets revolved around the Earth.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Argued that the Earth was not the center of the universe, but the sun was - heliocentric model.

Heliocentric Theory

A model of the universe with the sun at the center.

Geocentric Theory

A model of the universe with the Earth at the center.

Johannes Kepler

Mathematician who agreed with Copernicus’ model and proved planets move in elliptical paths.

Galileo Galilei

16th century Italian physicist, astronomer, mathematician, and philosopher, also known as the 'father of modern science' who invented the telescope.

Francis Bacon

Father of the Scientific Method

Scientific Method

State your theory, run an experiment, observe the experiment, record the results, make general statements, draw conclusions.

Rene Descartes

Father of modern philosophy; believed one must follow pure reason and not be influenced by prejudice.

Sir Isaac Newton

Mathematician and physicist who wrote and tested the laws of gravity.

Impact of the Scientific Revolution

European society saw an increase in inquiry and acquisition of knowledge. The Church was further challenged, and there were new discoveries and technologies, leading to Western Europe increasing its power.