Scientific Revolution Essay

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Science versus Religion during the Scientific Revolution
The Scientific Revolution marked the beginning of useful and accurate knowledge of the physical world. Old Aristotelian science began to diminish as scholars questioned old beliefs and proved new theories. They used mathematics, experimentation, and new technology to rediscover and describe the physical world in innovative ways. Matthews explains, “These early modern scientists and philosophers countered faith with reason, dogma with skepticism, and divine intervention with natural law. They accepted as true what could be proven mathematically and rejected as untrue those things that could not” (415). The world was beginning to view the universe and physics in a new and more accurate way due to the inquisitive and unrelenting scholars of the scientific revolution. Some of the great scholars to broaden the view of the universe by questioning longstanding beliefs were, Nicolaus Copernicus, Johannes Kepler, Galileo Galilei, and Isaac Newton.
Nicolaus Copernicus’ contributions to astronomy and physics proved to be pivotal in sparking a change in the existing views of the universe. Born in Poland in 1473, Copernicus’ parents died before he reached the age of 12. His uncle then raised him and Copernicus went on to study canon law, medicine and astronomy. His education proved that he had a well-rounded view of the universe that included both religious and scientific facets as he earned doctorate degrees in canon law and medicine. With his education he continued a lifelong service to the church and to science. He used an astronomical tower, a moon and sun tracking device and an astrolabe to develop a revolutionary heliocentric view of the universe. For many years scientists descri...

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...l in solving problems in mechanics and physics using nonlinear equations. His research and reporting helped develop the modern ideas and laws of the universe.
With educated and unbiased recordings of the universe humans have a more precise view of the workings around us. Luckily there were inquisitive and relentless men who dedicated their lives and risked their freedom to provide detailed and accurate information about the universe. Without them humans may have never fully understood universal laws and may have accepted the false teachings of the church. This persistent and unyielding attitude may be helpful to modern humans in ensuring human existence. Should we question or search beyond what we are given or should we simply accept what we are told? From history we can gain that inquiry leads to a better understanding and possible improvement in current practices.

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