The Scientific
Revolution
The Scientific Revolution was a
product of the Renaissance and
influenced by Reformation.
The Major Players
Copernicus (1473-1543)
Vesalius (1514-1564)
Bacon (1561-1626)
Galileo (1564-1642)
Kepler (1571-1630)
Harvey (1578-1657)
Descartes (1596-1650)
Boyle (1627-1691)
Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723)
Newton (1642-1727)
• The transformation of medieval universities during the
Renaissance included the study of natural philosophy:
mathematics, astronomy, and physics
– Scientists like Galileo and Newton were university
professors, working in a community of scholars
• The Renaissance brought to light Greek mathematical texts,
which helped improve European mathematics
– Many Renaissance patrons supported scientists.
• Navigational needs, such as the calculation of latitude for
long distance travel, prompted technological advancements
useful for sea travel and other important scientific
instruments
– The telescope, pendulum clock, microscope, and air
pump, among others
Positive Impact of Religion
• Protestantism may have fostered scientific thinking in
that it made scientific work a matter of conscience and
not of faith.
• Some Protestant countries like England, Denmark, and
Holland typically encouraged science and, with their
interest in international trade, promoted technological
innovation.
• The independence of science from religion was promoted
during the English Revolution
The Scientific Method
 Francis Bacon & Rene Descartes, with different views, helped to
developed the scientific method of forming a hypothesis, testing
the hypothesis with observation and/or experiment, and
drawing conclusions.
 Bacon advocated experimental research and the inductive way
of reasoning, meaning that general truths are drawn from many
empirical facts.
◦ Empirical truths are ones that can be confirmed through the
senses.
 Descartes was a mathematician who developed analytical
geometry, bringing together algebra and geometry.
◦ Favored deductive reasoning- going from the general to the
specific
◦ Cartesian dualism: There were only two types of substances,
matter and mind, or the physical and the spiritual.