The scientific revolution and the changes it brought
Have you ever wondered how we went from believing the Earth was the
center of the universe to exploring the vastness of space? The answer lies in a
period of intellectual upheaval called the Scientific Revolution. In this
research, we will be tackling a the summation of how science evolved
throughout the century.
The Scientific Revolution was a period of dramatic change in scientific
thought that took place from the 15th to the 18th centuries, primarily in
Europe. It marked a move away from reliance on traditional authorities and
religious belief towards a more empirical, evidence based approach to
understanding the natural world. Here's a summary of the key aspects of the
Scientific Revolution:
1. Heliocentrism vs. Geocentrism
Before: For centuries, the prevailing view was geocentrism, placing Earth at
the center of the universe with other celestial bodies revolving around it. This
concept was heavily influenced by religious beliefs and the writings of
Aristotle.
• Change: Astronomers like Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei
challenged this notion. Copernicus proposed a heliocentric model, with
the sun at the center and planets, including Earth, orbiting around it.
Galileo provided observational evidence through his telescope,
supporting the heliocentric model.
2. The Rise of the Scientific Method
Before: Scientific knowledge was often based on speculation and
inherited wisdom from past thinkers.
• Change: Scientists like Francis Bacon and René Descartes
emphasized the importance of observation, experimentation, and logical
reasoning in acquiring knowledge. This systematic approach became
known as the scientific method, which is still the foundation of
scientific inquiry today.
3. Scientific Discoveries and Inventions
Advancements: The Scientific Revolution led to numerous
groundbreaking discoveries and inventions in various fields, including:
• Physics: Laws of motion by Isaac Newton
• Anatomy: Detailed studies of human anatomy by Andreas Vesalius
• Biology: Discovery of microorganisms by Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
• Mathematics: Development of calculus by Isaac Newton and Gottfried
Wilhelm Leibniz
• Instruments: Invention of the microscope and telescope, enabling closer
observation of the natural world.
•
4. Impact on Society
Shifting Perspectives: The Scientific Revolution challenged long held
beliefs and led to a more wider view of the universe.
Scientific Progress: The development of the scientific method
continues to drive scientific knowledge and innovation, leading to
advancements in technology, medicine, and various other fields.
