Untitled Flashcards Set
On the Revolutions of Heavenly Bodies by Copernicus (1543)
- Astronomical work that used mathematics to assert that the earth
revolved around the sun, nor the sun around the earth. It was the first
modern argument for the heliocentric theory. Copernicus had the work
published after his death.
New Astronomy by Kepler (1609)
- This astronomy text by a German mathematician used very complex
math equations to prove that heavenly objects revolve in elliptical
orbits. This made the heliocentric theory work.
The Starry Messenger by Galileo (1610)
- This text is filled with the descriptions and drawings of Galileo’s
telescopic observations, such as the lunar surface, canals on Mars,
Jovian moons, and sunspots.
Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems by Galileo
(1632)
- This scientific work offered a side-by-side comparison of both the
geocentric and heliocentric theories. From the weight of evidence, it
was clear that the heliocentric theory was more supported by evidence.
Principia by Newton (1687)
- This is considered to be one of the most important scientific works ever
written. It explains many of Newton’s most important discoveries
including his Third Law of Motion, theory of gravity, and universal laws.
On the Fabric of the Human Body by Vesalius (1543)
- This anatomical work contained beautiful drawings of the human body,
most based on dissections. It was the first work of anatomy published
since antiquity. It was used as a medical school text for centuries.
On The Motion of the Heart and Blood by Harvey (1628)
- This important medical text explained the circulatory system and how
blood moves in the body. It mapped the vein and artery system and
explained the role of the heart and lungs.
Metamorphosis of the Insects of Surinam by Marian (1707)
- This work of entomology contains beautiful drawings and descriptions
of the insects of Surinam, a Dutch colony in South America. It was
written by a female entomologist.
Letters on Turkey by Montague (1718)
- Written by the wife of a British diplomat stationed in Constantinople,
the work is filled with her detailed observations of life in the Ottoman
capital. One of its most significant passages describes a crude form of
smallpox inoculation.
Discourse on Method by Descartes (1637)
- Important philosophical work in which the author agues the all
knowledge must begin with doubt. Descartes believed that one should
approach every question with no preconceived notion of the answer
and with an open mind. Famous for the statement, “Cogito ergo sum.”
(I think, therefore I am).
New Instrument by Francis Bacon (1620)
- Philosophic work that asserts that true knowledge must be based on
empirical evidence. Bacon is considered the Father of the Scientific
Method, which is included in the work.
Cook’s Travels by Captain Cook (1773)
- This biography was written by one of Britain’s greatest explorers and
describes many of the things he observed on his first of three lengthy
voyages across the Pacific. He landed in Australia, explored the coast
of North America as far as the Arctic, and discovered many Pacific
Islands. He had great respect for the native cultures he encountered.
On the Different Races of Men by Kant
- Kant was a very respected Enlightenment philosopher, bbut one who
held extremely racist views of non-Europeans. He divided humanity
into four racial groups (white Europeans, yellow Asians, black Africans,
and red Americans) and argued Europeans were superior.
Supplement to Bougainville’s Voyage by Diderot (1771)
- Diderot compared “civilized” European society to the supposedly
“uncivilized” society of Tahiti discovered bby the French explorer,
Bougainville. He argues that the simple, more natural society found in
so-called primitive cultures was more truly free and just than Europe.
Encyclopedia by Diderot
- This epic project took over 20 years to complete and included 24
volumes. It was meant to be a compilation of all human knowledge
and focused heavily on philosophy and science.
Spirit of the Laws by Montesquieu (1748)
- Influential political work by a French philosophe in which he argued
that all governmental power should be divided (separation of power) to
prevent absolutism and tyranny. Very influential on the American
founding fathers.
Philosophical Letters on the English by Voltaire (1733)
- Written while living in exile in England, it is a tribute to the freedoms of
speech, press, and religion Voltaire admired in England and argued
that France lacked.
The Social Contract by Rousseau (1762)
- This was a revolutionary political work that argued that the people are
the source of all power (popular sovereignty) and that hereditary
monarchy is illegitimate. Rousseau believed that all laws must reflect
the “general will” (the support of the people). It advocated democracy.
The Wealth of Nations by Smith (1776)
- The most influential economics text ever written, Smith argued in favor
of free trade and economic capitalism. He was an influential
physiocrat and opponent of mercantilism. He believed there are
natural laws in economics, such as “supply and demand.”
Vindication of the Rights of Women by Wollstonecraft (1792)
- This was a powerful endorsement of the idea of equal rights for
women. Wollstonecraft argued that both men and women possess the
same power of reason and therefore each are equally capable if given
the same education.