Unit 4: The Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment and 18th Century Society and Economy
From your ever-lovin’ teacher: I do not expect you to understand Aristotelian physics and or the mathematics that tie into this unit. Save that for your physics class. The purpose of this study of science is to understand how it fits into the big picture of European history.
BIG QUESTIONS: (as you work through the chapter, keep these questions in mind DO NOT ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS PLEASE)
1. What were the astronomical theories of Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton? What is meant by
“scientific worldview?”
2. What was the impact of the new science on philosophy?
3. How did early modern science affect the social setting?
4. What role did women take in the scientific revolution?
5. What was the connection of science and religion?
6. Was witchcraft real?
Introduction
Natural philosophers = scientists (the word “science” wasn’t really invented until sometime in the 1830s)
The understanding that the sun was only one of a gazillion stars transformed humankind’s perception of its place in the larger scheme of things led to a profound rethinking of moral and religious matters, as well as of scientific theory. Hey! Wait a minute! I thought I was the center of the universe!!! Does this mean I’m not as important as I think I am? What a concept…..
Study Guide: Chapter 14: New Directions in Thought and Culture
The Scientific Revolution (Pages 454-459)
1) Describe what is meant by the phrase “scientific revolution”. Who was a part of this “revolution”? Over what time frame does it occur?
2) How was the the Copernican Hypothesis received, especially by the religious communities (1473-1543)?
3) How did Kepler and Newton contribute to the scientific revolution?
Philosophy Responds to Changing Science (Pages 459-466)
4) Discuss the various factors that contributed to the growth and development of the scientific revolution.