Top 10 Events from the Scientific Revolution and The Enlightenment
1. Geocentric
2. Heliocentric
3. Experimental Method
4. Inductive Reasoning (Empiricism)
5. Deductive Reasoning
6. The Enlightenment
7. Rationalism
8. Philosophe
9. Salons
10. Enlightened Absolutism
- Geocentric was an old worldview that the earth was motionless and was the center of the universe, with everything revolving around it.
- Before mid 16th century
- The geocentric theory was the predominant cosmological idea of the ancient times, and was able to be accepted by theological beliefs as well as it was associated with the “10 spheres”.
2. Heliocentric
- Heliocentric was the theory of the new world that was developed by Nicholas Copernicus, which addressed the cosmos to be sun-centered.
- Early 16th century
- The development of the heliocentric theory meant that the idea of crystal spheres was dropped, the idea that the universe was in fact extremely large, and the question of where God was in the universe came into play.
3. Experimental Method
- The experimental method developed by Galileo that was an order of ways to find knowledge through repeated experimentation, rather than speculating or guessing.
- 17th century
- The experimental method was a new way of discovering and learning that was the basis of a lot of the observation, experimenting, and concluding of problems in the scientific revolution and even into the present day.
4. Inductive Reasoning (Empiricism)
- Inductive reasoning is a type of argument characterized by gathering small pieces of specific information and using experience and knowledge to make a general statement.
- Age of reason
- Inductive reasoning was very popular in the age of reason, it was also part of empiricism.
5. Deductive Reasoning
- Deductive reasoning is a type of argument characterized by taking a general idea and breaking it down into a specific conclusion.
- Age of reason
- Deductive reasoning was very popular in the age of reason; one philosopher who used this well was Rene Descartes, who called deductive reasoning the “funnel of reasoning”.
6. The Enlightenment
- The Enlightenment was a new worldview with a general goal of improving human welfare through knowledge and truth.
- 1690-1789
- The Enlightenment spread the ideas of reason and benefits of utilizing the science method and rationalism, and increased the role of the state in society; the Enlightenment challenged the Catholic Church, the divine right of kings, and noble privilege.
7. Rationalism
- Rationalism is the view that knowledge and truth is found through reasoning and debating.
- Late 17th and 18th centuries
- Rationalism was a key characteristic during the Enlightenment, was important with the scientific revolution, and was a way for philosophes and natural philosophers to prove their theories right.
8. Philosophe
- The Philosophes were a group of French philosophers in the enlightenment who believed they were bringing their elite ideas and knowledge to low class, uneducated minds.
- Late 18th century
- The Philosophes would use clever ways of putting their ideas in literature to keep their audience entertained and to avoid the religious and political censors; they developed many important works including the Encyclopedia, The Spirit of Laws, and a translation of Principia.
9. Salons
- Salons were social meetings popular during the enlightenment held in the homes of rich Parisians.
- 1740-1789
- The salons provided a place for intellectual ideas of literature, science, and philosophy to be discussed where restricting religious and political influence was absent.
10. Enlightened Absolutism
- Enlightened absolutism was a time period where government officials or leaders attempted to use philosophical and enlightened ideals to form their governments around.
- Late 18th century
- Enlightened Absolutism meant that leaders attempted to improve civil rights, use more rationality in their governments, and foster the sciences and education.