Scientific Revolution (1600-1700)

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the Scientific Revolution, including significant thinkers, philosophical ideas, and notable achievements.

Scientific Revolution

A period from 1600-1700 marked by the emergence of new scientific ideas and questioning of traditional beliefs.

Materialism

The belief that the universe is composed of the same matter as Earth and operates under the same natural laws.

Heliocentric Universe

The model proposed by Copernicus where the sun is at the center of the universe.

Empiricism

A philosophy, notably advanced by Francis Bacon, advocating experimentation and observation as the basis of knowledge.

Dualism

René Descartes' concept that mind (spirit, religion) and matter (science) can coexist.

Pascal's Wager

Blaise Pascal's argument that it is in one's best interest to believe in God, as the potential gains far outweigh the losses.

Royal Societies

Organizations, such as The French Academy of Science and The English Royal Society, where scientists could meet and share ideas.

Natural Laws

Principles discovered through observation and mathematics that describe the behavior of the universe.

Margaret Cavendish

A woman philosopher who rejected the idea that nature could be controlled and was denied entry into the Royal Society.

Father of Microscopy

A title given to Leeuwenhoek for his pioneering work in microscopy.

Entomologist

A scientist who studies insects, exemplified by Maria Sibylla Merian.

Three Laws of Motion

Principles formulated by Sir Isaac Newton that describe the relationship between a body and the forces acting upon it.

Royal and Noble Patrons

Wealthy supporters of scientific research and exploration during the Scientific Revolution.

A philosopher who rejected Descartes's Dualism, proposing that God and the universe are one.

Benedict Spinoza

Andreas Vesalius

A pioneer in anatomy who challenged Galen’s theories through dissections.

Galileo

An astronomer who supported the heliocentric model and contributed to modern physics.

Maria Winkelmann

An accomplished female astronomer who discovered a comet, taught by her husband and family.