What Was Revolutionary About the Scientific Revolution AP World History?

The Scientific Revolution was a period of great advancement in science and technology that occurred in Europe from the 16th to the 18th century. It marked a major shift in thinking, as scholars began to use experimentation and observation to understand the natural world, rather than relying solely on ancient texts and religious beliefs. This revolution had a profound impact on society, leading to new discoveries, innovations, and ways of thinking.

What Was Revolutionary About the Scientific Revolution?

Before the scientific revolution, most people believed that the world was governed by supernatural forces and that everything happened for a reason. Scientists of that time relied on ancient texts and religious beliefs to explain natural phenomena like earthquakes, eclipses, and diseases. However, this all changed during the scientific revolution when scientists began to question traditional beliefs and use empirical evidence to support their findings.

One of the key figures of the scientific revolution was Galileo Galilei. He was an Italian astronomer who challenged the traditional Aristotelian view of the universe.

He used his telescope to observe celestial bodies and discovered that they were not perfect spheres as previously thought but rather had irregular shapes. He also observed sunspots on the sun’s surface which contradicted Aristotle’s belief that celestial bodies were perfect and unchanging.

Another important figure was Isaac Newton who is best known for his laws of motion and universal gravitation. He explained how objects move in space using mathematical formulas rather than relying solely on philosophical theories.

The scientific revolution also led to advancements in medicine with pioneers like William Harvey who discovered how blood circulates through the body. This discovery led to improved medical practices such as blood transfusions.

The Impact of the Scientific Revolution

The scientific revolution had a significant impact on society. It led to new discoveries in physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, medicine, and other fields which contributed greatly to technological advancements such as steam engines, textiles machinery, printing presses etc.

The scientific revolution also challenged the religious beliefs of the time. As scientists began to question traditional beliefs, they came into conflict with the church which resulted in some scientists being persecuted. However, this did not stop their work and their discoveries have had a lasting impact on science and society.

The scientific revolution also led to the development of the scientific method which is still used today by scientists all over the world. This method involves formulating a hypothesis, testing it through experimentation and observation, and then revising it based on the results. This approach has led to new discoveries and innovations that have transformed our lives.

In conclusion, the scientific revolution was a period of great change that had a profound impact on society. It challenged traditional beliefs and paved the way for new discoveries and advancements in science and technology. The legacy of this revolution can still be seen today in our modern world.