Scientific Rev and Enlightenment (1)

Definition: A break with traditional thought during the 16th and 17th centuries, marking the beginning of Europeans thinking critically about the physical world.
Participants: Primarily wealthy, educated, white men living in urban areas.
Beginnings: Shift from acquiring information from religious and political leaders to scientific inquiry.
Key Conflict: Geocentric model (Church: Earth as the center) vs. Heliocentric model (Science: Sun as the center).
Correction: Both models were incorrect; the Sun is the center of the solar system.

Humanism: Encouraged personal reasoning and critical thinking for oneself.
Education: Rise of universities led to an educated elite that questioned Church doctrines.

Profile: Educated wealthy, aristocratic men; increase in university establishment.
Impact: Growing education prompted questioning of the Church's ideas.

Discovery of the Americas: Opened Europeans to new civilizations and ideas, proving traditional leaders didn't possess all knowledge.

Outcome: Decline in Catholic Church's authority allowed for expansion of scientific ideas without fear of persecution, especially in Protestant areas.

Role: First European to advocate for a heliocentric model; studied the classics.
Publication: Published findings only on his deathbed due to fear of persecution by the Church.

Background: Swedish astronomer; studied the Heliocentric model and created his own model.
Contribution: Laid groundwork for the scientific method; meticulously charted planetary movements.

Contribution: Developed the Three Laws of Planetary Motion.
Significance: Established mathematical proofs for astronomical theories, advancing modern physics.

Background: Mathematician and physicist, advocate of heliocentrism.
Discoveries: Defined laws of motion and popularized telescope use.
Conflict: Faced persecution from the Church; placed under house arrest for heretical views.

Role: Mathematician and physicist; known for formulating the law of gravity.
Impact: Established the scientific method and universal laws governing the universe.
Legacy: Knighted and influenced theological discussions about God's omnipotence.

Scientific Method: Introduction of reason-based processes to validate ideas.
Decline of Church Authority: Critical questioning of traditional religious beliefs but not a move towards atheism.
The Enlightenment: Expansion of scientific methods to societal governance, promoting rational thought across various societal aspects.

Time Frame: Spanned mostly the 1700s, building off the Scientific Revolution’s findings.
Core Idea: Application of science and rationality to government, society, and culture.
Public Discussions: Increased dialogue around ideas facilitated dissemination of Enlightenment concepts.

Central Location: France provided cultural hubs for the sharing of Enlightenment ideas (e.g., salons).
Salons: Aristocratic gatherings, typically led by women, promoting discussion on current issues and ideas.
Coffee Shops: Urban centers for merchants to discuss literature and ideas, increasing public engagement.

Views: Advocated for absolute monarchy; highlighted chaos in democracy.
Significance: Set the stage for discussion surrounding government forms and philosophies.

Key Principles: Government derives from the people's will; the idea of tabula rasa (blank slate).
Impact: Influenced revolutionary ideas regarding government power during American and French Revolutions.

Thesis: Different forms of government suitable for different societies; proposed separation of powers.
Influence: His ideas were foundational to the construction of the U.S. Constitution.

Background: Prolific writer advocating for separation of Church and state.
Impact: Critique of monarchic and religious institutions; supported parliamentary governance.

Argument: Critiqued unnatural institutions and advocated a view of women in society.
Impact: His views contributed to the repression of women in the societal sphere by the century's end.

Publications: Increased output of literature on philosophy and governance.
Literacy Rise: Growth in literacy rates across social classes.
American and French Revolutions: Significant influences of Enlightenment ideas in these major historical events.