Abstract This paper examines the mathematical event known as the Copernican Revolution. This revolution was the introduction of natural laws into the world of science and religion.
Abstract The paper highlights the role of David Hume and Immanuel Kant in rescuing the tradition of rationalism, specifically Hume's "science of man" and Kant's "Copernican revolution of the mind" which places man at the center of all reasoning. The paper shows how both Hume and Kant are engaged in constructing a metaphysics of morality where they reject the concept of certainty in a materially objective sense.
From the Paper "The atomists of ancient Greece tried to overcome uncertainty by ideas and concentrating on material substance, picturing it as composed of indestructible fundamental units, which Democritus labeled 'atoms'. Of course, this too was a concept, but by picturing the metaphysical building block of the universe in such tangible terms he turned epistemology into a science, and in the process gave birth to the notion of determinism - ie certainty as obtained through empirical investigation. Determinism was a reinvigorated quest with the advent of the European Renaissance."
Tags: empiricism, Cartesian, determinism, free, will, reason, Descartes, Newton
Abstract This paper analyzes Kant's philosophical system with reference to Descartes. The author explores Kant's system which raises many questions, particularly concerning freedom and the interaction of the two wills. If our definition of free will is re-evaluated and understood in a subjectivist sense, (much like the Copernican Revolution), Kant (and Descartes) provide a new concept of freedom as autonomy. Therefore, instead of preserving free will, these two philosophers produce a new understanding of it. The dual nature of the phenomenal and noumenal world continues to be a problem, but it remains so because of its very nature. It explains the human predicament: the cohesion of body and mind, and can go no farther.
From the Paper "Causality is a complex issue for philosophers who want to maintain morality and God. Although Immanuel Kant logically shows the necessity of causality for experience, he is unwilling to dismiss the idea of freedom. After all, moral and ethical judgments can only arise from a free will, for only if one's will is free can one be held morally accountable for one's actions. Kant, therefore, attempts to provide a metaphysical basis for believing in a free will, while still supporting causality."
Abstract A paper which considers how the work of Kepler, Newton, Copernicus, Brahe, Ptolemy and Galileo overlapped, how one discovery influenced another and how the work of these scientists helped form the foundation of modern scientific knowledge of the physical sciences. The paper studies the life histories of each of these scientists.
From the Paper "Galileo was appointed professor of mathematics at Padua, his duties included to teach the geometry of Elucid, and geocentric, astronomy to the medical students. However it is noted that he discussed more natural philosophy and forms of non standard astronomy, this was also carried out in a public lecture in reference to a New Star that had appeared, now known as Kepler's supernova. Galileo also wrote personally to Kepler stating that he was a follower of the Copernican theory, however there was no outward evidence of this until many years later (Field, 1995)."
Abstract This paper discusses and compares analytic and synthetic judgement. The writer describes Kant's belief that all knowledge begins with experience, and that both experience and knowledge combine to give the reasons for why things happen. The paper draws comparisons between this idea and that of Hume, relating Hume's belief that events have explanations as to why they happen, an action brings a reaction.
From the Paper "Kant states how the reading of David Hume changes his thoughts and how it directed his investigations in the field of speculative philosophy. Kant wanted a "Copernican Revolution" in the response to Hume. "A recognition that the appearance of the external world depends in some measure upon the position and movement of its observers" is a response called "Copernican Revolution" (Kemerling 1). Kant wanted to move beyond the rationalist but he did not agree with the empiricists either."
Abstract This paper explains Galileo's profound contribution and decisive arguments to those who legitimately sought to discredit the Ptolemaic theory.
Abstract This paper will discuss the book "The Structure of Scientific Revolutions" by Thomas Kuhn and explain what he means by "paradigm shift" within the realm of interpretation of revolutions that occur in science-specifically- the Copernican Revolution. By examining how the relationships of the perceiver of the revolution helps to transform the revolution, we can see how this idea pertains to the way that ideas are influenced not only from the inventor or creator of the revolution itself, but in the efforts of others that support it.
This paper discusses John Hedley Brooke's "Science and Religion: Some Historical Perspectives", an examination of the development of the inter-relationship of religious beliefs and scientific thought, starting with the mid-sixteenth century.
765 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 0 sources, 2005, $ 27.95
Abstract This paper explains that John Hedley Brooke, in his book "Science and Religion: Some Historical Perspectives", follows the evolution of scientific thought and learning, explaining the opposing religious reaction and the effects brought about by the increasing knowledge of provable scientific material upon the prevailing philosophy. The author points out that, although new scientific theories are met with intense opposition from the prevailing religious forces of the day, neither ever succeeds in displacing the other; rather frequently science is used to "prove" religious theory and religious precepts are used to give credence to the new scientific discoveries. The paper relates that Brooke draws a parallel between the reformatory nature of the scientific methodology and that of the Protestant Reformation, which can be seen as an endorsement of Copernican opposition to the suppression of thought exercised by the Roman Catholic establishment prior to the sixteenth century.
From the Paper "In 1543, Copernicus proposed his sun-centered theory of the cosmos which literally and figuratively turned the universe inside out, and set off an age that is unprecedented in its genius and its revolutionary ideas. The scientific revolution that ensued set the stage for the modern world-view and was met by opposition from the established religion, especially the Catholic Church, which dominated scientific exploration during the previous three centuries. The author argues that this was not so much separatism, but "an unprecedented fusion of science with theology, resulting in more secular forms of piety." (p. 53)"
Tags: copernicus, darwin, political, catholic, system
A look at the shared era of William Shakespeare and Galileo Galelei, the lasting influence of these two men and what they would have thought of each other.
Abstract This paper examines the work of William Shakespeare and Galileo Galelei and how their work contributed to the advancement of civilization. The paper also looks at how these men might have viewed one another and what they might have said to one another had they ever had the opportunity to meet. The paper points out that, while Galileo's work may have more relevance to today's world than Shakespeare's work, both men, in their own way, furthered civilization's thirst for truth and knowledge, as well as for entertainment and discovery.
From the Paper "One has to remember that France was, intellectually, far ahead of England, which would produce the plays of Racine, Moliere and Corneille already being popular- plays which not only criticized some of the manners of the people, but hinted at some revolutionary ideas about the class structure. England had Chaucer, of course, and would be blessed with Milton, one of its greatest poets, Samuel Butler, John Bunyan (among others)and John Dryden, while playwrights prior to Shakespeare included William Wycherly, John Gay (of Beggar's opera fame). The fact is, the humanities were beginning to be part of everyday life. In fact, it was 1685 before the public saw the "Fourth Folio of Shakespeare's works" (Grun Not paginated)."
Abstract This paper discusses the life and discoveries of Galileo. It specifically discusses the conflict of Galileo's discoveries with the Catholic Church. It looks at his work in the sciences of astronomy, physics and mathematics and his adoption of the Copernican astronomical theory. The paper also looks at the Catholic Church's reactions to his views.
From the Paper "In the end, Galileo forever changed the the sciences of astronomy, physics and mathematics. Despite the attempts by the Church to silence his revolutionary work, Galileo continued. His work, was evaluated and validated by observers across Europe, in England, German and France. And, it would be Galileo's work that would encourage experimentation in physics, to test mathematical and physical laws. Sadly, it wouldn't be until more than 300 years later that the Church would recant their views, with Cardinal Paul Poupard, the head of an investigation by the church into Galileo's theory, statement in 1992 that said, "We today know that Galileo was right in adopting the Copernican astronomical theory" (qtd. Brauchli )."
