2. What Was the Scientific
Revolution?
A revolution in human
understanding and
knowledge about the
physical universe
17th Century
Began w/ Kepler, Galileo
Ended w/ Newton
3. “Science” Before the SR
Based on reasoning
Experimental
method or
observation - not
used
Medieval Science
Alchemy
Astrology
4. Creating a New Worldview
Hallmarks of SR
Questioning of old knowledge &
assumptions
Gradual replacement of religious &
superstitious presumptions
Gradual rise of science & reason
5. Factors Leading to SR
Rise of universities
Renaissance
Reformation
Exploration
6. Astronomy & Physics
Work with the person next to you and
diagram the Universe as we know it
today
Be as accurate as possible
You have 2 minutes…
8. Astronomy & Physics
Prior to SR - Ptolemaic System
prevailed
Geocentric Universe
Earth is at center
Remains fixed while the heavens move
around it
14. Johannes Kepler
1571-1630
German mathematician
Proved Copernican theory
via math
Kepler’s First Law
Earth orbits in an elliptical
(egg-shaped) pattern, not
circular like Copernicus
suggested
18. Universal Law of Gravity
Explains why planets continue an
elliptical orbit around sun
Mathematical in nature
States that every object in the
universe is attracted to every other
object by a force called gravity
20. Chemistry
Robert Boyle
Boyle’s Law (properties of
gasses)
Antoine Lavoisier
Father of modern chemistry
Invented system for naming
chemical elements still used
today (periodic table)
21. Rationalism
Reason, not tradition, is
the source of all
knowledge
René Descartes (1596-
1650)
French philosopher &
mathematician
Cogito, ergo sum (“I
think, therefore I am”)
Deductive reasoning
(general specific)
22. Empiricism
The belief that experience is the only
true source of knowledge
Huge shift toward empiricism in the SR
Led to development of the Scientific
Method
23. Scientific Method
Francis Bacon (1561-1627)
English philosopher &
empiricist
Systematic procedure for
collecting & analyzing
evidence
Inductive reasoning
(specific general)
24. Homework: Women of the SR
Read page 307 in your
textbook
Write, in your notes, the
field of study & major
accomplishment(s) of:
Margaret Cavendish
Maria Winkelmann
Margaret Cavendish
25.
26. Homework
Read “Opposing Viewpoints: Faith vs.
Science” on pg. 305
Answer the DBQs using BOTH:
Facts from class
The primary sources given