SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION + ENLIGHTENMENT #1

1st semester exam

Definition:
A major shift in the 1500s–1600s from relying on traditional beliefs to using observation, experimentation, and reasoning to understand the world.

sci rev (def)

Significance:
Laid the foundation for modern science and changed how people viewed the world and the universe.

sci rev (sig)

Definition:
The ancient belief that Earth is the center of the universe and everything orbits around it.

geocentric theory (def)

Significance:
Shaped people’s understanding of religion, astronomy, and the universe for centuries.

geocentric theory (sig)

Definition:
The idea that the sun is the center of the solar system and all planets orbit around it.

heliocentric theory (def)

Significance:
Challenged old religious beliefs; became a foundation of modern astronomy.

heliocentric theory (sig)

Definition:
A Polish astronomer and mathematician.

copernicus (def)

Significance:
Started the Scientific Revolution by proposing the heliocentric model.

copernicus (sig)

Definition:
English mathematician and physicist who explained how the world works using universal laws and math.

newton (def)

Significance:

• Developed laws of motion and universal gravitation

• Unified Galileo and Kepler’s findings into a single scientific framework

• Influenced Enlightenment thinkers to look for scientific principles in human society

newton (sig)

Definition:
“The father of modern chemistry”; used scientific methods to study matter.

boyle (def)

Significance:

• Developed the first quantitative chemical law (Boyle’s Law)

• Rejected ancient Greek idea of 4 elements

• Advanced the experimental method and transformed chemistry

boyle (sig)

Definition:
German astronomer and mathematician.

kepler (def)

Significance:

• Created laws of planetary motion

• Proved heliocentric theory mathematically

• Helped set the groundwork for Newton’s discovery of gravity

kepler (sig)

Definition:
Italian scientist; first to use a telescope for astronomy.

galileo (def)

Significance:

• Found evidence that Earth moves around the sun

• Considered the “father of modern science”

• Promoted experimentation, observation, and mathematical analysis

galileo (sig)

Definition:
English philosopher; creator of the modern scientific method.

bacon (def)

Significance:

• Promoted experimentation and empirical evidence

• Encouraged a new approach to science that led to many discoveries

bacon (sig)

Definition:
French philosopher; known for rationalism.

descartes (def)

Significance:

• Introduced a method based on reason and systematic doubt

• Known for mathematical and logical reasoning (“I think, therefore I am”)

• Helped establish foundations of the scientific method

descartes (sig)

Definition:
An intellectual and philosophical movement in the 1600s–1700s that emphasized the use of reason and empirical evidence to improve society.

enlightenment (def)

Significance:

• Inspired ideas about human rights, democracy, and equality

• Challenged traditional authority

• Supported the belief that reason could solve social problems

enlightenment (sig)

What was the main goal of the Scientific Revolution?

understand the natural world using observation, experimentation, and reason instead of traditional beliefs

Explain the difference between the geocentric and heliocentric theories.

geo: earth at center and everything orbits around it

helio: sun at center and everything orbits around it

Why did the heliocentric theory challenge the Catholic Church?

contradicted their long-standing teachings that the Earth was the center of God’s creation

Which scientist first proposed the heliocentric model?

nicolaus copernicus

What evidence did Galileo discover that supported the heliocentric theory?

observed moons orbiting Jupiter and phases of Venus

Why is Galileo considered the “father of modern science”?

insisted on observation, experimentation, and mathematical analysis, forming the basis of modern science

What scientific contribution is Johannes Kepler known for?

discovered the laws of planetary motion, showing planets move in elliptical orbits.

How did Kepler’s findings support Copernicus?

Kepler provided mathematical evidence that supported Copernicus’s heliocentric theory

What did Newton contribute to the Scientific Revolution?

explained how the universe works using universal laws of motion and gravity

Explain Newton’s idea of universal gravitation.

states that every object in the universe attracts every other object, which keeps planets in orbit

Why is Robert Boyle known as the “father of modern chemistry”?

because he applied the scientific method to study matter.

Describe Boyle’s Law in simple terms.

As pressure increases, gas volume decreases (and vice-versa)

What was Bacon’s approach to gaining scientific knowledge?

believed knowledge should come from experimentation, observation, and data, not tradition

How did Bacon’s method change how people studied the natural world?

encouraged scientific investigation, leading to many new discoveries and forming the basis of the scientific method

What was Descartes’ approach to knowledge and reasoning?

used reason and systematic doubt to arrive at truth

Why is Descartes famous for the phrase “I think, therefore I am”?

means the ability to think proves one's existence and ability to reason

What was the Enlightenment?

an intellectual movement in the 17th–18th centuries emphasizing reason and empirical evidence to improve society

How did Enlightenment thinkers believe society could improve?

believed society could improve through reason, education, human rights, and better government

How did the Scientific Revolution lead to the Enlightenment?

encouraged people to question old beliefs, inspiring Enlightenment thinkers to apply reason and scientific thinking to society and government

Give two examples of ideas that Enlightenment thinkers promoted

• Natural rights

• Freedom of speech

• Democracy

• Separation of powers

• Equality

• Reason over tradition