#4 Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment

Geocentric Theory

Theory created by Ptolemy, where Earth is the center of the universe

Nicholas Copernicus

Author of the work "On the Revolutions of Heavenly Orbs", through mathematical observation argued that the sun was at the center of universe and that the Earth revolved around it

Heliocentric Theory

Created by Nicholas Copernicus, the idea that the planets revolve around the sun in circles

Johannes Kepler

German astronomer who believed planets move in Elliptical orbits and the closer to the sun the faster they move

Galileo Galilei

Author of Dialogue on the two Chief world systems and proves Heliocentric Theory

Issac Newton

Author of Principia Mathematic- Universe follows mathematical laws not religious

Francis Bacon

Author of Novum Organum-, proposes we question everything we know to improve mankind.

Empiricism (Francis Bacon)

Book on observation and experimentation, given credit for the modern scientific method

René Descartes

Author of Discourse on Method- speaks of the separation necessary between religion and science.

Thomas Hobbes

Author of Leviathan- Human nature is war and we require authoritarian governments

John Locke

Author of Two Treatises of Government- all people are born with natural right and the only role of the government is to protect them

Essay Concerning Human Understanding (John Locke)

The idea is that the mind is blank and we are equal at birth. The environment and our experiences shape us

Charles Montesquieu

Author of The Spirit of the Laws- Calls for checks and balances and no one government works best

John Tolland

Believed religion is natural and rational, not supernatural.

Denis Diderot

Edits first encyclopedia and aims to secularize education

Voltaire

Author of Treatise of Toleration- calls for freedom of speech and religion

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Writes Discourse on the Origin of Inequality says that people are naturally honest and good. Problems come from an unequal distribution of wealth.

Social Contract

Idea that society is more important than the individual

Adam Smith

author of The Wealth of Nations; proponent of the free-market system

Laissez-Faire (Term by Adam Smith)

Government stays out of business.