Key Terms from AP Euro Unit 4: Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment

AP Euro Key Term Flashcards

Ptolemy

Ancient astronomer with geocentric universe model.

Copernicus

Proposed heliocentric theory, placing Sun at center.

Geocentrism

Earth-centered model of the universe.

Heliocentrism

Sun-centered model of the universe.

On the Revolutions of Heavenly Spheres

Copernicus's 1543 work introducing heliocentrism.

Tycho Brahe

Danish astronomer known for precise astronomical observations.

Johannes Kepler

Formulated three laws of planetary motion.

Galileo Galilei

Pioneering astronomer supporting heliocentrism with telescope.

Starry Messenger

Galileo's 1610 work detailing telescopic discoveries.

Isaac Newton

Formulated laws of motion and universal gravitation.

Principia Matematica

Newton's 1687 work on classical mechanics principles.

Enlightened Absolutism

Monarchs implementing Enlightenment ideas in governance.

Frederick the Great

Prussian king known for military and enlightened reforms.

Catherine the Great

Russian empress known for expansion and modernization.

Joseph II

Holy Roman Emperor known for radical reforms.

Francis Bacon

Developed empirical method of scientific inquiry.

Novum Organum

Bacon's 1620 work on empirical scientific method.

Rene Descartes

Father of modern philosophy and analytical geometry.

Discourse on Method

Descartes's text on systematic doubt and inquiry.

Induction

Reasoning from specific observations to general conclusions.

Deduction

Reasoning from general principles to specific conclusions.

Empiricism

Knowledge derived from sensory experience and observation.

Margaret Cavendish

17th-century philosopher advocating for women's intellectual roles.

Blaise Pascal

French mathematician and philosopher known for probability theory.

Thomas Hobbes

Philosopher known for political theory in Leviathan.

Leviathan

Hobbes' treatise advocating for powerful sovereign authority.

John Locke

Philosopher who influenced modern liberal democracy.

Two Treatises on Government

Locke's work critiquing absolute monarchy and advocating rights.

Physiocrats

Economists emphasizing land as wealth source in 18th century.

Quesnay

Leader of Physiocrats, known for agricultural productivity advocacy.

Philosophes

Enlightenment thinkers promoting reason and social reforms.

Voltaire

Writer advocating for civil liberties and freedom of speech.

Tabula Rasa

Locke's concept of individuals as 'blank slates' at birth.

Salon

Social gatherings for intellectual discussions in Enlightenment.

Diderot

Co-founder of the Encyclopédie, promoting Enlightenment knowledge.

The Encyclopedia

Reference work compiling Enlightenment knowledge and ideas.

Deism

Belief in a rational God who doesn't intervene in life.

Beccaria

Philosopher advocating for criminal justice reform and rational law.

Adam Smith

Economist known for Wealth of Nations and free markets.

Montesquieu

Philosopher advocating separation of powers in government.

Spirit of the Laws

Treatise analyzing government forms and advocating liberty.

Rousseau - The Social Contract

Theory on collective consent to form society and government.

Mary Wollstonecraft

Writer advocating for women's equality and education.

Vindication of the Rights of Women

Feminist text arguing for women's rational rights and education.