Download A new way of thinking

Unit 3: AN AGE OF REVOLUTION
The Scientific Revolution &
Enlightenment
THE OLD vs. The NEW WAY OF THINKING
The Medieval View of the Universe
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Structure of Universe:
Geocentric Theory
All Knowledge from
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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
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Heliocentric Theory (Sun at center
of solar system)
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Knowledge derived from scientific
research and logic
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Man could learn to understand his
universe
Heliocentric Model
Why and How Did This Change Occur?
Causes of Scientific Revolution
 Knowledge from Muslim scholars of Middle East
filtering in to Europe (Crusades)
 Rediscovery of lost Greek & Roman writings as
result of Crusades (Renaissance)
 Teachings of church challenged and proven
incorrect, search for truth (Reformation)
 Exploration opened Europeans’ minds to idea that
there were new truths to be discovered(Exploration)
 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
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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
Newtonian Physics:
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Comprised of the 3 basic principles of
Classical Mechanics
Objects in motion stay in motion, objects
at rest stay at rest until acted upon by an
outside force
F = ma (force = mass times acceleration
Action-Reaction law