The Scientific Revolution

Bhakti Patel                                                                              World Studies H The Scientific Revolution

Define the following:

• Geocentric theory- stated that the earth was the center of the universe
• Scientific Revolution- new way of viewing natural world—based on observation, inquiry
• Heliocentric theory- sun was the center of the universe
• Galileo Galilei- Italian scientist who mad key advances in astronomy
• Scientific method- a series of steps for forming, testing scientific theories
• Isaac Newton- English scientist who developed the theory of motion

1. In what ways did Copernicus’s theory contradict religious views?
- The theory that the Earth rotated around the Sun contradicted several passages of Scripture and was therefore heresy.

2. Why do you think that Galileo chose to recant?
- He was threatened and wanted to save his life.

3. How was the scientific method of exploring ideas different from looking to history for answers?
- In the scientific method, observing and experimenting things are a key component. Although research must be done to form a question and hypothesis, the steps of creating and conducting an experiment are what make the scientific method unique from research. These steps allow scientists to effectively prove or disprove theories and hypotheses.