Log in Sign up
Back to Discover
🏛️

Scientific Revolution

history Maturity 11-13 Vital Level 3 evolution
This article covers sensitive topics: evolution. Parents can manage visibility in Parental Controls.

Long ago, people learned new things.

Sir Isaac Newton by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.jpg
Sir Isaac Newton by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.jpg
They looked at the stars. They used tools to see better. This helped them understand our world. It changed how we think. Do you like to learn new things?

43 words

Long ago, people learned many new things.

De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst, anoniem, Museum Plantin-Moretus, PK OPB 0186 005.jpg
De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst, anoniem, Museum Plantin-Moretus, PK OPB 0186 005.jpg
A new way to print books helped a lot.
Galileo Galilei by Ottavio Leoni Marucelliana (cropped).jpg
Galileo Galilei by Ottavio Leoni Marucelliana (cropped).jpg
Now, thinkers could share their ideas quickly.

People began to look closely at the world. They used tools to see far away.

Sir Isaac Newton by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.jpg
Sir Isaac Newton by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.jpg
One man used a tool to see stars. This helped him learn about space.

Other people studied how the body works. They also studied how things move. This was a big change for everyone. It helped us understand our world today.

108 words

{ "text": "Long ago, people changed how they studied the world. This time was called the Scientific Revolution. It happened in Europe during the 1500s and 1600s.

De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst, anoniem, Museum Plantin-Moretus, PK OPB 0186 005.jpg
De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst, anoniem, Museum Plantin-Moretus, PK OPB 0186 005.jpg
\n\nBefore this, people trusted old ideas from the past. They often believed what ancient thinkers said without checking. But new tools and ideas changed everything. The printing press helped a lot.
De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst, anoniem, Museum Plantin-Moretus, PK OPB 0186 005.jpg
De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst, anoniem, Museum Plantin-Moretus, PK OPB 0186 005.jpg
Now, scientists could share books and drawings quickly. They could all study the same facts. \n\nMany thinkers made big discoveries. Nicolaus Copernicus and Andreas Vesalius wrote important books in 1543.
PeuerbachSuperioribus2.png
PeuerbachSuperioribus2.png
Tycho Brahe saw a new star in 1572. Galileo Galilei used a telescope to look at space.
Galileo Galilei by Ottavio Leoni Marucelliana (cropped).jpg
Galileo Galilei by Ottavio Leoni Marucelliana (cropped).jpg
He found proof about how planets move. Francis Bacon inspired people to join groups like the Royal Society. [IMAGE:File:Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.Somer Francis Bacon.

853 words

The Scientific Revolution was a huge change in how people understood the world. It happened in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. Before this time, people mostly followed old ideas from ancient thinkers. They relied on the wisdom of the past instead of looking for new evidence. This era marked a break from old ways of thinking. It changed how people studied math, physics, and even biology.

This new way of learning relied on seeing things for yourself. Instead of just thinking about ideas, people used external observation. They gathered new evidence to see if old ideas were true. This method used math to explain how the world works. It was more focused on facts than on old traditions. Scientists began to build a new picture of the entire universe.

PeuerbachSuperioribus2.png
PeuerbachSuperioribus2.png

Many important events helped start this revolution. Some say it began in 1543. That was when Andreas Vesalius wrote about the human body. Nicolaus Copernicus also published a book about the heavens that same year. Another idea is that it started in 1572. That was when Tycho Brahe saw a new star called a supernova. This event showed that the heavens could change.

JKepler.jpg
JKepler.jpg

Many famous people led these big changes. Galileo Galilei used a telescope to find proof about planets. He helped people understand the science of motion. Johannes Kepler also wrote about new ways to see the stars. Francis Bacon inspired people to form scientific groups. One famous group was the Royal Society. Isaac Newton finished this era with his great work in 1687.

Sir Isaac Newton by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.jpg
Sir Isaac Newton by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.jpg
Gresham College from Record of RS.jpg
Gresham College from Record of RS.jpg

Technology made these discoveries possible for everyone. The printing press was a very important tool. Johannes Gutenberg helped make books much easier to find. Now, scholars could read the same texts and diagrams. They could share their results with other people far away. This helped create a community of thinkers. They all worked together to solve common problems.

De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst, anoniem, Museum Plantin-Moretus, PK OPB 0186 005.jpg
De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst, anoniem, Museum Plantin-Moretus, PK OPB 0186 005.jpg

354 words

The Scientific Revolution was a major shift in how humans understood the natural world. It occurred in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries. This era represented an irreversible break from the natural philosophy that came before it. Instead of relying on ancient traditions, thinkers began to use mathematics and new evidence. This movement changed the study of physics, astronomy, biology, and mathematics. It also led to the creation of many modern scientific disciplines.

Laurentius de Voltolina Vorlesung vor Studenten - Min 1233 - Kupferstichkabinett Berlin.jpg
Laurentius de Voltolina Vorlesung vor Studenten - Min 1233 - Kupferstichkabinett Berlin.jpg

Before this period, European thought was dominated by the Aristotelian framework. Aristotle described a geocentric universe, meaning the Earth was at the center. He believed the terrestrial region was made of four elements: earth, water, air, and fire. Above this was a celestial realm made of a fifth element called aether. This celestial region was thought to be unchanging and moved in perfect circles. The mathematician Ptolemy also provided a framework for calculating planetary positions.

PeuerbachSuperioribus2.png
PeuerbachSuperioribus2.png

The transition to new science relied on several important mechanisms. One key change was the move from internal reasoning to external observation. Scientists stopped trusting only what they could think and started looking at the world. They used mathematical models to explain physical phenomena. This approach was more mechanistic, meaning it viewed the universe as a system of moving parts. They also relied heavily on the acquisition and interpretation of new evidence.

De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst, anoniem, Museum Plantin-Moretus, PK OPB 0186 005.jpg
De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst, anoniem, Museum Plantin-Moretus, PK OPB 0186 005.jpg

Technology played a massive role in spreading these new ideas. The printing press, introduced by Johannes Gutenberg in the 1440s, changed everything. Before this, scientific books were rare and hard to find. Printing allowed scholars in different countries to study the same diagrams and texts. It created a community of astronomers who could test each other's work. Engraved metal plates also allowed for much more accurate visual information. This made scientific data more permanent and reliable than old woodcut illustrations.

De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst, anoniem, Museum Plantin-Moretus, PK OPB 0186 005.jpg
De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst, anoniem, Museum Plantin-Moretus, PK OPB 0186 005.jpg

Historians debate exactly when this revolution began. Some point to the year 1543. This was when Andreas Vesalius published work on the human body. It was also the year Nicolaus Copernicus published his work on the heavens. Others suggest the revolution started in 1572. That was when Tycho Brahe observed a supernova, or a "new star." This observation proved that the heavens were not unchanging. Some historians even suggest the era ended in 1704 with Newton's work on optics.

JKepler.jpg
JKepler.jpg

Many specific individuals drove these massive changes. Galileo Galilei used the telescope to provide evidence for heliocentrism, the idea that planets orbit the sun. He also developed the science of motion. Johannes Kepler contributed new views of astronomy. Francis Bacon inspired the creation of scientific societies, such as the Royal Society. Isaac Newton provided a "grand synthesis" in 1687. His book, the *Principia*, is considered a culmination of the era.

Sir Isaac Newton by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.jpg
Sir Isaac Newton by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.jpg
Gresham College from Record of RS.jpg
Gresham College from Record of RS.jpg

The significance of this period cannot be overstated. It transformed the human worldview and the structure of scientific institutions. It moved society from a reverence for the past to an expectation of improvement. The discovery of the Americas also challenged old authorities like Ptolemy. Finding a massive landmass he never knew about proved ancient knowledge was incomplete. This era laid the groundwork for the modern world and the modern way of thinking.

NewtonsPrincipia.jpg
NewtonsPrincipia.jpg

575 words
🖼️ Images & Media (18)
File:Galileo Galilei by Ottavio Leoni Marucelliana (cropped).jpg
Galileo Galilei by Ottavio Leoni...
File:Laurentius de Voltolina Vorlesung vor Studenten - Min 1233 - Kupferstichkabinett Berlin.jpg
Laurentius de Voltolina Vorlesung vor...
File:PeuerbachSuperioribus2.png
PeuerbachSuperioribus2.png
File:De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst, anoniem, Museum Plantin-Moretus, PK OPB 0186 005.jpg
De uitvinding van de boekdrukkunst,...
File:JKepler.jpg
JKepler.jpg
File:Somer Francis Bacon.jpg
Somer Francis Bacon.jpg
File:Gilbert De Magnete Illo044.jpg
Gilbert De Magnete Illo044.jpg
File:Sir Isaac Newton by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.jpg
Sir Isaac Newton by Sir Godfrey Kneller, Bt.jpg
File:Gresham College from Record of RS.jpg
Gresham College from Record of RS.jpg
File:Académie des Sciences 1698.jpg
Académie des Sciences 1698.jpg
File:NewtonsPrincipia.jpg
NewtonsPrincipia.jpg
File:William Harvey ( 1578-1657) Venenbild.jpg
William Harvey ( 1578-1657) Venenbild.jpg

+ 6 more

Up Next
🏛️
History of science
History
More to explore

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.