Ch 16 Ap Euro Notes
Chapter 16
SECTION ONE:
-Who were three major Greek scientists that inspired 16th century Europeans? What/ fields were great scientific advancements made that these scientists represented?
Aristotle in physics, Ptolemy in astronomy, and Galen in medicine.
-Why did European scientists have to make adjustment to ancient theories?
Scientists did not want to abandon theories. Rather, they adjusted them. They were forced to do this because they began to notice things that contradicted ancient theories. For example, Aristotle said that all objects in their natural state are at rest - but how could one explain an arrow's motion after it left the bow? Moreover, the humanist rediscovery of other ancient scientists who disagreed with the 3 major scientists also helped reconstruct the beliefs of the 16th century scientists. The discovery of Archimedes's writings on dynamics was influential in physics.
-What were two "magical" beliefs that were considered serious sciences back then.
Alchemy, the belief that matter can be changed by using secret formulas and mixing various substances, and Astrology, which was the belief that natural phenomena could be predicted by interpreting planetary movement.
- Who was Paracelsus?
A 16th century alchemist, who thought that metals and plants could be medicinal when used properly. He though mercury could cure syphilis.
-Why did people believe in these "magical" beliefs?
People thought the world could be understood through simple keys to nature. The theories of Neo-Platonism, a Renaissance era school of thought based on Plato's belief that "truth lay in essential but hidden "forms"" contributed to these beliefs. Jewish cabala also contributed to this - this form of thought taught that the universe may be built around magical arrangements of numbers. Pythagoras had also thought that the world may be connected by numerical patterns in nature.
- Who were "natural philosophers"? Why did they finally discard the ancient theories that
SECTION ONE:
-Who were three major Greek scientists that inspired 16th century Europeans? What/ fields were great scientific advancements made that these scientists represented?
Aristotle in physics, Ptolemy in astronomy, and Galen in medicine.
-Why did European scientists have to make adjustment to ancient theories?
Scientists did not want to abandon theories. Rather, they adjusted them. They were forced to do this because they began to notice things that contradicted ancient theories. For example, Aristotle said that all objects in their natural state are at rest - but how could one explain an arrow's motion after it left the bow? Moreover, the humanist rediscovery of other ancient scientists who disagreed with the 3 major scientists also helped reconstruct the beliefs of the 16th century scientists. The discovery of Archimedes's writings on dynamics was influential in physics.
-What were two "magical" beliefs that were considered serious sciences back then.
Alchemy, the belief that matter can be changed by using secret formulas and mixing various substances, and Astrology, which was the belief that natural phenomena could be predicted by interpreting planetary movement.
- Who was Paracelsus?
A 16th century alchemist, who thought that metals and plants could be medicinal when used properly. He though mercury could cure syphilis.
-Why did people believe in these "magical" beliefs?
People thought the world could be understood through simple keys to nature. The theories of Neo-Platonism, a Renaissance era school of thought based on Plato's belief that "truth lay in essential but hidden "forms"" contributed to these beliefs. Jewish cabala also contributed to this - this form of thought taught that the universe may be built around magical arrangements of numbers. Pythagoras had also thought that the world may be connected by numerical patterns in nature.
- Who were "natural philosophers"? Why did they finally discard the ancient theories that