The Scientific Revolution was a period of radical change in scientific thought that occurred primarily in Europe from the mid-16th to the late 18th century. It marked a departure from the prevailing Aristotelian and religious doctrines towards empirical observation, experimentation, and mathematical reasoning.
Prior to the Scientific Revolution, scientific inquiry was largely based on the works of ancient philosophers like Aristotle and the teachings of the Church. The Renaissance sparked a renewed interest in classical learning, but it was the Scientific Revolution that truly challenged established beliefs and paved the way for modern science.
| Year | Event/Discovery | Scientist |
|---|---|---|
| 1543 | Publication of De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres) | Nicolaus Copernicus |
| 1609 | First use of the telescope for astronomical observations | Galileo Galilei |
| 1628 | Discovery of the circulation of blood | William Harvey |
| 1665 | Publication of Micrographia, detailing microscopic observations | Robert Hooke |
| 1687 | Publication of Principia Mathematica, outlining the laws of motion and universal gravitation | Isaac Newton |
| 1774 | Discovery of Oxygen | Joseph Priestley |
| 1798 | Development of the first vaccine for smallpox | Edward Jenner |
The Scientific Revolution was a transformative period that laid the foundation for modern science and technology. Its emphasis on empirical observation, mathematical reasoning, and skepticism continues to shape scientific inquiry today. By challenging established beliefs and promoting a new way of understanding the natural world, the Scientific Revolution revolutionized not only science but also society and culture.
Please log in to post your answer.
Log InEarn 2 Points for answering. If your answer is selected as the best, you'll get +20 Points! π