SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION Meaning and
Definition
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The scientific revolution refers to a significant period of intellectual and scientific advancements that took place during the 16th and 17th centuries in Europe. This era marked a pivotal shift in scientific thinking and methodologies, where traditional beliefs rooted in religious and philosophical dogmas gave way to empirical evidence and experimental methods as the principal means of understanding the natural world.
This epoch was characterized by profound changes in various scientific fields, such as astronomy, physics, biology, and chemistry. Scholars and scientists like Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Isaac Newton, and Francis Bacon made noteworthy contributions that challenged prevailing understandings of the universe. They introduced concepts such as heliocentrism, which displaced the Earth as the center of the cosmos, leading to the development of modern astronomy. Moreover, the formulation of fundamental laws, such as Newton's laws of motion and gravitation, transformed the study of physics and laid the groundwork for subsequent scientific inquiries.
The scientific revolution also emphasized the importance of observation, experimentation, and the collection of empirical data as the basis for scientific knowledge. This new approach marked a shift from reliance on ancient authorities, such as Aristotle and Ptolemy, towards a more systematic and evidence-based approach. Furthermore, advancements in scientific instruments, such as the microscope and the telescope, played a crucial role in gathering and analyzing empirical evidence, further enhancing the scientific methodology.
Overall, the scientific revolution was a transformative period characterized by a redefinition of scientific inquiry, the rejection of long-held beliefs in favor of empirical evidence, and the establishment of new theories and methodologies. Its impact on human understanding of the natural world was profound and laid the foundation for modern scientific exploration and discovery.
Etymology of SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION
The word "scientific" derives from the Latin word "scientia", meaning knowledge or understanding. It ultimately comes from the verb "scire", which means "to know". The term "scientific" emerged in the 14th century and initially referred to knowledge related to any field of study or discipline.
The word "revolution" originates from the Latin word "revolutio", derived from the verb "revolvere", meaning "to roll back" or "to turn around". In the context of social or intellectual change, it conveys a sense of a complete turnaround or transformation.
The phrase "scientific revolution" was first used by the French philosopher and historian of science, Alexandre Koyré, in the early 20th century. He used it to describe the profound changes in knowledge and understanding of the natural world that occurred during the 16th and 17th centuries.
