The Scientific Revolution
The emergence of modern science
during the early modern period,
when developments in
mathematics, physics, astronomy,
biology, medicine, and chemistry
transformed views of society and
nature.
The Scientific Method
Finalized by Rene Descartes
A way to ask and answer
scientific questions by making
observations and doing
experiments.
Nicolaus Copernicus
Developed the
heliocentric theory
that states the sun
is the center of the
universe
Johannes Kepler
Developed the
laws of planetary
motion
Planets travel in
an oval (ellipsis)
around the sun
Galileo Galilei
Used the
telescope to
support the
heliocentric
theory.
Isaac Newton
Formulated the laws of
gravity
3 Laws of motion (Ex.
an object at rest will
remain at rest unless
acted upon by an
unbalanced force.)
William Harvey
Described the blood’s
circulation in the body.
Showed that veins and
arteries form a complete
circuit
The circuit starts at the heart
and leads back to the heart.
The Enlightenment
A European intellectual
movement of the late 17th and
18th centuries emphasizing
reason and individualism rather
than tradition.
The Enlightenment
Grew out of the Scientific
Revolution
More secular views
Fueled revolutions in France
& America
Thomas Hobbes
Argued that people
were naturally cruel,
greedy, and selfish
Need a strong gov’t to
rule the people (an
absolute monarch)
Leviathan (Sea Monster)
John Locke
People were basically
responsible and good
Tubula Rasa (Blank Slate)
Believed people had
inalienable rights (Ex?)
Limited gov’t accepted by
all (Democracy)
Baron de
Montesquieu
Anti-absolute
monarchies
Gov’t needs checks &
balances so one
branch doesn’t
become too powerful.
Jean-Jacques
Rousseau
People are basically
good but become
corrupt by society.
(Ex?)
The Social Contract
Voltaire
Very outspoken!
Freedom of speech &
religion (First
amendment)
Separation of church
and state
Thomas
Jefferson
Author of the
Declaration of
Independence
Pro-Enlightenment
3rd Pres. of the US