Unit 3: AN AGE OF REVOLUTIONThe Scientific Revolution &

Enlightenment

THE OLD vs. The NEW WAY OF THINKING

The Medieval View of the Universe

Structure of Universe: Geocentric Theory

All Knowledge from – Bible – certain ancient thinkers

(Aristotle, Ptolemy)– Superstition

God-Centered World View: Mans’ destiny is out of his control

Geocentric Model

A New Scientific Way of Thinking -1500s

The Scientific Revolution = thinking based on observation, questioning, & experimentation

Heliocentric Theory (Sun at center of solar system)

Knowledge derived from scientific research and logic

Man could learn to understand his universe

Heliocentric Model

Why and How Did This Change Occur?

Knowledge from Muslim scholars of Middle East filtering in to Europe

Rediscovery of lost Greek & Roman writings as result of Crusades

Exploration opened Europeans’ minds to idea that there were new truths to be discovered

Advancements in technology required Europeans to know more

Newton’s Law of Gravity Turns the World Upside Down

Newton discovered the natural law of gravity

Develops a concept of universe known as “The Clockwork Universe”– All things on earth and in space are

governed by the same forces (or set of natural laws)

– Gravity was just one of these laws– In the same way that a clockmaker can

repair a clock, because he understands how it works, humans can understand their universe, if they understand the laws that govern it