HIS - Final Exam Practice Questions

Why were Islamic scholars interested in translating Greek texts?

To integrate useful scientific ideas into their culture.

Which major theme distinguishes Roger Bacon's work?

The prioritization of empirical methods in science.

What did the Greeks use as axioms in their logical systems?

Irreducible, self-evident truths

Which statement best describes Galileo's religious stance?

Staunch Catholic

What role did Galileo play in the mathematization of nature?

He argued that mathematical laws govern the universe, particularly in physics

According to Aristotle, what was the natural motion of heavy objects?

Downward towards the center

Descartes' mechanical philosophy suggested that:

Nature operates like a machine, and all phenomena can be explained mechanically.

Why was the heliocentric model initially rejected by many astronomers?

It lacked physical evidence, such as observable parallax.

The scientific journals established during the Scientific Revolution were important because:

They allowed rapid dissemination of research findings.

What unique feature of Ibn al-Haytham's Book of Optics set it apart from earlier works?

Its integration of geometry with experimental evidence.

What is the significance of the Pythagorean theorem in the history of mathematics?

It was a demonstration of using geometry to prove mathematical relationships.

Which of the following ideas best encapsulates the mechanistic worldview of the Scientific Revolution?

The universe operates like a machine governed by natural laws.

Which equation represents Newton's Second Law of Motion?

F = ma

What philosophy did Ibn al-Haytham follow regarding scientific inquiry?

Rejecting conclusions not verified by experimentation

The Royal Society of London was founded to:

Promote scientific inquiry and the sharing of knowledge.

What major role did the madrasa play in Islamic education?

Serving as institutions for advanced legal and religious studies.

The University of Paris played a central role in:

Theological debates integrating Aristotle's works.

Which of the following was NOT a result of early exploration?

Increased reliance on Ptolemaic maps

The work of early modern scientists such as Galileo and Newton contributed to:

A shift towards empiricism and the scientific method.

How did the development of universities in the 13th century contribute to the Scientific Revolution?

By encouraging the independent study of nature and the sciences.

What was the Bayt al-Hikma (House of Wisdom)?

A library and research institute in Baghdad

Which philosopher emphasized a logical system to verify knowledge?

Aristotle

What innovation was introduced in medieval universities to standardize scholarly debates?

The disputation method.

The legacy of the Islamic Golden Age in science was carried to Europe primarily through:

Crusader conquests and translations in Spain.

The rediscovery of Aristotle's works in Europe was facilitated by:

Jewish and Muslim scholars in Spain.

How does Gregory Cajete characterize Native science?

As integrative, blending observation with symbolism.

What was one significant contribution of the Crusades to European science?

Access to advanced Islamic scientific texts.

What role did mathematics play in the Scientific Revolution?

It became a key tool for describing natural phenomena accurately.

The development of the scientific method during the Scientific Revolution emphasized:

A systematic approach involving observation, experimentation, and reasoning.

Thomas Aquinas reconciled Aristotelian philosophy with Christianity by:

Arguing that faith and reason could coexist.