The Scientific Revolution

• Scientific Method


  An empirical method of the execution of scientific experimentation
• Helio-centric


  The theory that the Sun is at the center of solar system
• Geo-centric


  The theory that the Earth is at the center of the solar system. Widely accepted until the philosophers of the Scientific Revolution (particularly Copernicus and Galileo) discovered and popularized heliocentrism.
• Copernicus


  Disproved the ideas of Aristotle, and stated that the Sun was at the center of the solar system. He was widely condemned for his work, especially in religious circles, as the idea of a helio-centric solar system meant that Earth was “just another planet”, which went against some Enlightenment ideals.
• Galileo


  A major philosopher who established experimentation. (He was the man who’s widely recognized for dropping the balls off of the Tower of Pisa) He supported Copernicus’ work passionately.
• Aristotle


  A major philosopher during the Greek times. His theories were widely accepted for centuries until the turn of the Scientific Revolution.
• Ptolemaic System


  Theories that are based on the astronomer and philosopher Ptolemy, who supported the idea of a geo-centric solar system.
• Newton


  A physical theorist who is widely known as the creator of Newton’s laws. His work took a lot of inspiration from Galileo and Copernicus.