Topic 13 Lesson 6

Causes of the Scientific Revolution

GUIDING QUESTION

What developments laid the foundation for the Scientific Revolution?

Medieval Natural Philosophy

• Many educated Europeans during the Middle Ages took an interest in the natural world, viewing it as interconnected and logical.

• Natural philosophers, or medieval scientists, relied heavily on ancient authorities, notably Aristotle, for scientific knowledge and epistemology.

• This reliance on established texts limited empirical observation and experimentation, constraining the understanding of the natural world.

The Renaissance

• Spanning from the 14th to 17th centuries, the Renaissance marked a significant cultural and intellectual shift in Europe.

• Renaissance humanists mastered Greek and Latin, which allowed them to access and study original works by ancient scholars such as Archimedes and Plato.

• The discovery of these texts revealed significant disagreements with Aristotelian views, fostering a challenge to established scientific and philosophical doctrines.

Practical Developments

• Throughout this period, practical technical problems emerged from advancements in navigation, engineering, and other fields, necessitating careful observations and accurate measurements (e.g., determining ship load capacities).

• The invention of new scientific instruments, including the telescope, microscope, barometer, and thermometer, opened new realms for observation and discovery previously unimagined.

• The printing press played a crucial role in the dissemination of new ideas, enabling the rapid spread of knowledge and facilitating collaboration among scientists and scholars across Europe.

Role of Mathematics

• The rediscovery of ancient mathematical texts during the Renaissance promoted the study of mathematics, which was deemed essential for navigation, military science, geography, and ultimately influenced scientific reasoning.

• Mathematics became a foundational tool for scientific inquiry and experimentation, leading to significant advancements and innovations in various fields during this period.

The Scientific Method and Francis Bacon

• Francis Bacon developed the formal scientific method, which emphasized a systematic approach to inquiry and experiment.

• He advocated for inductive reasoning; scientists should move from specific observations to general principles, contrasting with the traditional deductive reasoning used by many scholars prior to this period.

• Bacon emphasized empiricism, advocating for knowledge derived from sensory experience and observation rather than merely theoretical speculation.

• He suggested that scientists approach inquiries with an unbiased mind, forming and rigorously testing hypotheses through organized experimentation.

• Bacon aimed for science to serve practical purposes, benefiting industry, agriculture, and trade. He believed in human utility and the power to control nature through scientific understanding, marking a significant shift in the role of science in society.

• This drive for technological advancement and exploration became a defining characteristic of the Scientific Revolution, transforming both science and the societies that embraced it.