History of the Scientific Revolution

History of the Scientific Revolution Human history is often framed as a series of episodes, representing sudden bursts of knowledge. The Agricultural Revolution, the Renaissance, and the  Industrial Revolution  are just a few examples of historical periods where it is generally thought that innovation moved more rapidly than at other points in history, leading to huge and sudden shake-ups in science, literature, technology, and philosophy.  Among the most notable of these  is the Scientific Revolution, which emerged just as Europe was awakening from an intellectual lull referred to by historians as the dark ages. The Pseudo-Science of the Dark Ages Much of what was considered known about the natural world during the early middle ages in Europe dated back to the teachings of the ancient Greeks and Romans. And for centuries after the downfall of the Roman empire, people still generally didn’t question many of these long-held concepts or ideas, despite the many inherent flaws. The reason for this was because such â€Å"truths† about the universe were widely accepted by the Catholic church, which so happened to be the main entity responsible for the widespread indoctrination of western society at the time. Also, challenging church doctrine was tantamount to heresy back then and thus doing so ran the risk of being trialed and punished for pushing counter ideas.    An example of a popular but unproven doctrine was the Aristotelian laws of physics. Aristotle taught that the rate at which an object fell was determined by its weight since heavier objects fell faster than lighter ones. He also believed that everything beneath the moon was comprised of four elements: earth, air, water, and fire. As for astronomy, Greek astronomer Claudius Ptolemy’s earth-centric celestial system, in which heavenly bodies such as the sun, moon, planets and various stars all revolved around the earth in perfect circles, served as the adopted model of planetary systems. And for a time, Ptolemy’s model was able to effectively preserve the principle of an earth-centered universe as it was fairly accurate in predicting the motion of the planets. When it came to the inner workings of the human body, the science was just as error-ridden. The ancient Greeks and Romans used a system of medicine called humorism, which held that illnesses were the result of an imbalance of four basic substances or â€Å"humors.† The theory was related to the theory of the four elements. So blood, for instance, would correspond with air and phlegm corresponded with water. Rebirth and Reformation Fortunately, the church would, over time, begin to lose its hegemonic grip on the masses. First, there was the Renaissance, which, along with spearheading a renewed interest in the arts and literature, led to a shift toward more independent thinking. The invention of the printing press also played an important role as it greatly expanded literacy as well as enabled readers to reexamine old ideas and belief systems. And it was around this time, in 1517 to be exact, that Martin Luther, a monk who was outspoken in his criticisms against the Catholic Churchs reforms, authored his famous 95 theses that listed all of his grievances. Luther promoted his 95 theses by printing them out on a pamphlet and distributing them among the crowds. He also encouraged churchgoers to read the bible for themselves and opened the way for other reform-minded theologians such as John Calvin. The Renaissance, along with Luther’s efforts, which led to a movement known as the Protestant Reformation, would both serve to undermine the church’s authority on all matters that were essentially mostly pseudoscience. And in the process, this burgeoning spirit of criticism and reform made it so that the burden of proof became more vital to understanding the natural world, thus setting the stage for the scientific revolution. Nicolaus Copernicus In a way, you can say that the scientific revolution started out as the Copernican Revolution. The man who started it all, Nicolaus Copernicus, was a Renaissance mathematician and astronomer who was born and raised in the Polish city of ToruÅ„. He attended the University of Cracow, later continuing his studies in Bologna, Italy. This is where he met astronomer Domenico Maria Novara and the two soon began exchanging scientific ideas that often challenged the long-accepted theories of Claudius Ptolemy. Upon returning to Poland, Copernicus took up a position as a canon. Around 1508, he quietly started developing a heliocentric alternative to Ptolemy’s planetary system. To correct some of the inconsistencies that made it insufficient to predict planetary positions, the system he eventually came up with placed the Sun at the center instead of the Earth. And in Copernicus’ heliocentric solar system, the speed in which Earth and other planets circled the Sun was determined by their distance from it. Interestingly enough, Copernicus wasn’t the first to suggest a heliocentric approach to understanding the heavens. The ancient Greek astronomer Aristarchus of Samos, who lived in the third century B.C., had proposed a somewhat similar concept much earlier that never quite caught on. The big difference was that Copernicus’ model proved to be more accurate at predicting the movements of the planets.   Ã‚   Copernicus detailed his controversial theories in a 40-page manuscript titled Commentariolus in 1514 and in De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres), which was published right before his death in 1543. Not surprisingly, Copernicus’ hypothesis enraged the Catholic church, which eventually banned De revolutionibus in 1616. Johannes Kepler Despite the Church’s indignation, Copernicus’ heliocentric model generated a lot of intrigue among scientists. One of these people who developed a fervent interest was a young German mathematician named Johannes Kepler. In 1596, Kepler published Mysterium cosmographicum (The Cosmographic Mystery), which served as the first public defense of Copernicus’ theories. The problem, however, was that Copernicus’ model still had its flaws and was not completely accurate in predicting planetary motion. In 1609, Kepler, whose main work was coming up with a way to account for the way Mars’ would periodically move backward, published Astronomia ​nova (New Astronomy). In the book, he theorized that planetary bodies didn’t orbit the Sun in perfect circles as Ptolemy and Copernicus had both assumed, but rather along an elliptical path.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Besides his contributions to astronomy, Kepler made other notable discoveries. He figured out that it was refraction that allows for the eyes’ visual perception and used that knowledge to develop eyeglasses for both nearsightedness and farsightedness. He was also able to describe how a telescope worked. And what’s less known was that Kepler was able to calculate the birth year of Jesus Christ. Galileo Galilei Another contemporary of Kepler’s who also bought into the notion of a heliocentric solar system and was the Italian scientist Galileo Galilei. But unlike Kepler,  Galileo didn’t believe that planets moved in an elliptical orbit and stuck with the perspective that planetary motions were circular in some way. Still, Galileo’s work produced evidence that helped bolster the Copernican view and in the process further undermine the church’s position. In 1610, using a telescope he built himself,  Galileo began fixing its lens on the planets and made a series of important discoveries. He found that the moon was not flat and smooth, but had mountains, craters and valleys. He spotted spots on the sun and saw that Jupiter had moons that orbited it, rather than the Earth. Tracking Venus, he found that it had phases like the Moon, which proved that the planet rotated around the sun. Much of his observations contradicted the established Ptolemic notion that all planetary bodies revolved around the Earth and instead supported the heliocentric model. He published some of these earlier observations in the same year under the title Sidereus Nuncius (Starry Messenger). The book, along with subsequent findings led many astronomers to convert to Copernicus’ school of thought and put Galileo in very hot water with the church. Yet despite this, in the years that followed,  Galileo continued his â€Å"heretical† ways, which would further deepen his conflict with both the Catholic and Lutheran church. In 1612, he refuted the Aristotelian explanation of why objects floated on water by explaining that it was due to the object’s weight relative to the water and not because an object’s flat shape. In 1624,  Galileo got permission to write and publish a description of both the Ptolemic and Copernican systems under the condition that he does not do so in a manner that favors the heliocentric model. The resulting book, â€Å"Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems† was published in 1632 and was interpreted to have violated the agreement. The church quickly launched the inquisition and put  Galileo on trial for heresy. Though he was spared harsh punishment after admitting to have supported Copernican theory, he was put under house arrest for the remainder of his life. Still,  Galileo never stopped his research, publishing several theories until his death in 1642.   Ã‚   Isaac Newton While both Kepler and Galileo’s work helped to make a case for the Copernican heliocentric system, there was still a hole in the theory. Neither can adequately explain what force kept the planets in motion around the sun and why they moved this particular way. It wasn’t until several decades later that the heliocentric model was proven by the English mathematician Isaac Newton. Isaac Newton, whose discoveries in many ways marked the end of the Scientific Revolution, can very well be considered among one of the most important figures of that era. What he achieved during his time has since become the foundation for modern physics and many of his theories detailed in Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy) has been called the most influential work on physics. In Principa, published in 1687, Newton described three laws of motion that can be used to help explain the mechanics behind elliptical planetary orbits. The first law postulates that an object that is stationary will remain so unless an external force is applied to it. The second law states that force is equal to mass times acceleration and a change in motion is proportional to the force applied. The third law simply stipulates that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Although it was Newton’s three laws of motion, along with law of universal gravitation, that ultimately made him a star among the scientific community, he also made several other important contributions to the field of optics, such as building he first practical reflecting telescope and developing a theory of color.

Amount vs. Number

Amount vs. Number â€Å"Amount† vs. â€Å"Number† â€Å"Amount† vs. â€Å"Number† By Mark Nichol The frequent confusion between amount and number is based on a misunderstanding of a small, simple distinction that the words themselves indicate. Amount refers to quantities that are measured in bulk or mass considered as a whole while number pertains to things that can be counted individually: â€Å"The amount of square footage in the attached shed is enough for a push lawn mower or a small barbecue,† but â€Å"The total number of square feet includes the attached shed’s square footage.† In reference to amount, use the terms little or less or the phrase â€Å"much more†: â€Å"The amount left is too little to be of any use.† â€Å"The amount is less than I thought.† â€Å"The amount is much more than we expected.† In reference to number, use the words few or fewer or the phrase â€Å"many more†: â€Å"The number of people who have signed up is too few.† â€Å"The number of people here, compared to the number here yesterday, is fewer.† â€Å"The number of people here is many more than we expected.† (Note that more applies to both amount and number.) Either word can be applied to a particular thing as long as the description of the thing is consistent with the distinction between amount and number: One can refer to the amount of fun one has had, but one can also count the number of fun things one has done. Two categories of things that are flexible in terms of these usages are money and time: One can refer to an amount of money or to a number of dollar bills, or to an amount of time or a number of hours: â€Å"The amount of money in the cookie jar has decreased† and â€Å"The number of dollar bills in the cookie jar has decreased† are both correct, as are â€Å"I need to decrease the amount of hours I’m scheduled to work† and â€Å"I need to decrease the number of hours I’m scheduled to work.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Words for Facial ExpressionsDoes "Mr" Take a Period?Inspiring vs. Inspirational

The Stranger by Albert Camus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Stranger by Albert Camus - Essay Example Meursault's character is a statement about the author's view of the irrationality of the universe and how humans are making it complicated through insisting that life is purposeful. The exposition part of the plot revealed so much about Meursault's concept of the word "emotions." The story began with news that his mother passed away through a telegram. Contrary to the expected reaction of a son who just lost a parent, he did not turn out to be sentimental, or at least sentimental in a masculine way. Instead, he cared more about what day and time his mother died. The diction and tone used by Camus is entirely helpful upon establishing Meursault's persona. To directly say that "Mother died today, or maybe yesterday; I can't be sure" (Camus 4) is a perfect portrayal of being indifference towards the death of a loved one. It is noticeable however, that Meursault is emotionally detached from his own mother, which made sense if he would be the same with the rest of the people around him. T he physical world is more important to him than what really matters according to society's opinion, such as love and the concept of a meaningful life.

Why is the discovery of the Royal Tomb of Tutankhamen important to Essay

Why is the discovery of the Royal Tomb of Tutankhamen important to Archaeologists - Essay Example He was the first to discover materials that led to the tomb’s discovery. The first clue he had was from a royal funeral object referred to as cache that were fro Tell el Amarna. They were brought to Thebes in order to escape destruction. These materials were hidden in a safe tomb that was done by King Tutankhamun himself. This cache is believed to have been stored by tomb robbers who expected to come back for the treasure sometime later. Furniture that was used by Tutankhamun was also found among these treasures (Malek, 2010). Another clue that Davis found helpful was found in 1907 inside a small pit. It provided significant information that contained impressions of Tutankhamun and other materials such as natron, broken pottery and linen bags. Davis took the initiative of taking these items to New York for further examination (Magi & Tenti, 2006). There was also a discovery by Theodore that comprised of a faience cup bearing the name of King Tut. Beside this cup, there were fragments of gold foil with Tutankhamun and his wife inlaid upon it. After a period, an Egyptologist by the name Howard Carter found these items to be interesting for more studies about the Tutankhamun tomb. He believed that these items were enough proof that King Tutankhamun’s tomb was inside the Valley of the Kings. More than five thousand objects were discovered in the tomb that revealed a lot on the ancient life of Egyptians. There were weapons, chariots, clothes, treasured lock and musical instruments. In addition, there wa s the golden burial mask that belonged to Tutankhamun. Carter died after just seven years since his excavation ended in 1939 before he had summarized on his findings. He had no partners who could have continued his work (Malek, 2010). The Tutankhamun tomb lies in an area that where royal burials did not take place in the Valley center hence it was buried beneath the Valley of the Kings surface quickly at Luxor, which was regarded

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Essay Example for Free

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Essay Imagine being not able to move your muscles freely everyday, and that process has to coordinate between the brain and the spinal cord to tell the muscles to move. However, when this coordination is challenged and can not convey signals, the results are no muscle movement. At first, muscles in the hands, arms, and legs feel weak. The hands and feet twitch. Speaking and eventually breathing become difficult, and paralysis occurs in the final stages, although thinking and other cognitive functions remain intact. Death usually occurs within five years of the onset of symptoms. This rare, progressive disorder is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, after a famous baseball player whose life was cut short by it. What is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis? Nowadays, more and more persons are being detected with a condition that is signified as â€Å"Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis†. In the history, this neurological situation was signified by several as â€Å"Lou Gehrig’s disorder† (Hohnsbeen, 2008). Those that suffer from this medical condition endure great complexities. This is essentially because of the fact that the disorder quickly wages war against some nerve cells in the body. These cells are recognized as neurons by medical experts. The neurons that are alluring to the disorder are the ones that are absolutely liable for the control of muscles that are deemed to be voluntary. The muscles in the upper body as well as those in the lower body are influenced. The influenced neurons are situated in the brain as well as the spinal cord and finally die (Hohnsbeen, 2008). In this direction, one will learn the facts adjacent the neurological state of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. When a person is detected with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the advancement of the disorder may be gradual or it may be rapid. It all depends on the general health of the individual, how long they have had the condition previous to diagnosis, plus any other medical circumstances that they may endure from (Phillies, 1995). Seeing that the reason of this severe neurological condition is unidentified, medical experts often have a hard time deciding the speed in which the condition improvements. Nevertheless, it is a fact that it will improve and signs observed will become more demanding to the functionality of the body. Difficulties that engage the muscles of the body that are utilized for different purposes will be experienced (Phillies, 1995). It is not common for the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis sufferer to experience difficulties such as problems in walking, situations in which it is challenging to eat and swallow as suitable, and several may even face severe medical emergencies such as the failure to breathe properly. The cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is not identified, though a significant step toward deciding the cause came in 1993 when scientists found that changes in the gene that generates the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) enzyme were related with some cases (about twenty-percent) of familial Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This enzyme is an influential antioxidant that defends the body from harm caused by superoxide, a toxic free radical produced in the mitochondria (William, 2000). Free radicals are very reactive molecules made by cells during normal metabolism again mostly by the mitochondria. Free radicals can build up and cause harm to both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA and proteins within cells. Proof proposes that inability of defenses against oxidative pressure up-regulates programmed cell death (apoptosis), among several other potential results. Although it is not yet obvious how the SOD1 gene mutation leads to motor neuron degeneration, examiners have theorized that an accumulation of free radicals may consequence from the faulty functioning of this gene. New study, nevertheless, points out that motor neuron death is not probably a consequence of lost or compromised dismutase activity, proposing mutant SOD1 induces toxicity in some other way (William, 2000). Researches engaging transgenic mice have yielded many hypotheses about the role of SOD1 in mutant SOD1 familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Mice lacking the SOD1 gene totally do not usually develop amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, although they do demonstrate an acceleration of age-associated muscle atrophy (sarcopenia) and a shortened lifespan (Wade, 2001). This points out that the toxic properties of the mutant SOD1 are a consequence of a gain in function rather than a loss of normal function. Additionally, aggregation of proteins has been found to be a common pathological aspect of both familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Fascinatingly, in mutant SOD1 mice, totals of mutant SOD1 were discovered only in disordered tissues, and large amounts were detected during motor neuron degeneration. It is observed that whole deposit of mutant SOD1 carries out a role in disturbing cellular functions by harmful mitochondria, proteasomes, protein folding chaperones, or other proteins (Phillies, 1995). Any such trouble, if shown, would lend large credibility to the hypothesis that aggregates are engaged in mutant SOD1 toxicity. Opponents have noted that in humans, SOD1 mutations cause only two-percent or so of general cases and the etiological mechanisms may be different from those liable for the sporadic type of the disorder. To date, the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis SOD1 mice remain the best model of the disorder for preclinical researches but it is expected that more helpful models will be developed (Wade, 2001). There are several signs that are indicated to the situation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In most sufferers, the first sign related with the situation was a weakness in the body. This weakness is generally related with a particular muscle. It may happen in the face. Several have endured from a common weakness in the tongue. It could also happen in other parts of the body, such as the hands or the legs. This is a symptom that the neurons that are liable for motor functions are facing death (Mitsumoto, 2009). In several cases, the weakness will expand to other parts of the body. As the neurons experience death as a consequence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, they are not capable to relay the suitable signals to the brain. As a consequence, the muscles simply do not realize that they are supposed to move in one way or another. Over time, they are employed less and less. Weakness sets in to the muscles, and then they lose their mass. As the neurological situation improvements, other signs will start to happen. Muscle twitching is an ordinary sign. The twitching may be in the type of sore cramps for several, but this is not always the situation. An individual that has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may start to notice that simple tasks engaging the hands may become more challenging. Several may discover that their talking and the capability to use their mouth for eating and swallowing are more complicated. Finally, walking will become problem. Those that are detected with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis will often find that they feel weak and comparatively tired, but they are capable to carry on doing tasks that engage cognitive capability such as concentrating on projects such as reading, memorization and often capable to focus with little to no difficulties at all (Mitsumoto, 2009). Conclusion Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a situation that is deemed to be deadly. Unluckily, there is no treatment for this situation. Once the disorder has started to impact the body, the harm that it produces will extend (Hohnsbeen, 2008). The collapse to the condition is that most of the sufferers that endure it will be influenced with a failure of the respiratory system. The average time span in which this happens is within 3 to 5 years from the onset of the disease. This generally results in death. Nevertheless, there have been several people that have surpassed a lifespan of ten years once diagnosed. If you have currently been examined, keep in mind to work carefully with your physician when it comes to cures. Finding a support group can also show to be extremely helpful when it comes to coping with the progress of the neurological situation.

Accounting Essay -- essays paper

Accounting There are many different types of accounting. I haven’t made the choice of which particular part of the profession I am going to go into. I am going to focus on financial accountant. The decision to become an accountant is usually not made until college. However general accounting and bookkeeping classes can be taken in high school. In college, the student needs to decide on a more specific field of accounting. An accountant has many choices regarding what particular field of accounting to specialize in, depending on the financial information he or she wants to analyze and how it is done. Financial accountants, tax accountants and internal auditors are all accountants in general but require different training and work methods. A financial accountant records economic data and periodically prepares reports that show profit and other financial information of a company using the generally accepted accounting principles. The reports prepared by the accountant are useful for managers, and also for owners, creditors and the public. Based on information in the reports, the public can use the reports to choose a company to invest in. Because a financial accountant is employed by an individual company, he or she is considered a private accountant. Accountants have career choices to make based on more specialized interests in a field, and, as with other careers, a different specialization will have different educational requirements. Different classes will... Accounting Essay -- essays paper Accounting There are many different types of accounting. I haven’t made the choice of which particular part of the profession I am going to go into. I am going to focus on financial accountant. The decision to become an accountant is usually not made until college. However general accounting and bookkeeping classes can be taken in high school. In college, the student needs to decide on a more specific field of accounting. An accountant has many choices regarding what particular field of accounting to specialize in, depending on the financial information he or she wants to analyze and how it is done. Financial accountants, tax accountants and internal auditors are all accountants in general but require different training and work methods. A financial accountant records economic data and periodically prepares reports that show profit and other financial information of a company using the generally accepted accounting principles. The reports prepared by the accountant are useful for managers, and also for owners, creditors and the public. Based on information in the reports, the public can use the reports to choose a company to invest in. Because a financial accountant is employed by an individual company, he or she is considered a private accountant. Accountants have career choices to make based on more specialized interests in a field, and, as with other careers, a different specialization will have different educational requirements. Different classes will...

The Harmful Effects of Video Games

The Harmful Effects of Video Games By: Alan Bruestle I. Introduction: A. Video games, the ability to leave reality via controller, and glowing screen of color and bliss. A escape from life through the form of technological entertainment that has been developed and passed down to generations for decades. So why does society have such a big dispute over the use of video games? B. Many people believe that video games are only a source of fun and entertainment. Although there is truth in that video games give pleasure to the user, not many notice and realize the harmful effects that they have on society.C. Should video games be changed in a manner that the harmful content is removed completely from the entertainment? Should society limit or keep the certain content of video games to a minimum, or should everything be left the same? I believe that video games should be limited and a law should be passed that restricts the use of video games to people who acquire a problem in their life. D . The laws I believe that should be placed would be the results from effects on society, due to video games.The three main points that have really been noticed in society is the increase in physical effects, mental effects, and graphic influence. II. Explanation of Problems/Need A. Definitions 1. Physical – Overall Health, Disorders 2. Mental – Addiction, Social Isolation, Learning 3. Graphic Influence – Drugs, Nudity, Graphic violence B. Background/Causes/Effect 1. Background a. Many years old b. Multi billion dollar industry c. Demand won't collapse d. Technology grows. Demand increase. e. Society always impacted. 2. Causes a. Features become better b. Consumer desire alternate life . Difference 3. Effects a. Alternate life fills boredom. b. Violence increases aggression. c. Might mimic characters. d. Users perspective addiction, forget life. e. Designers satisfy older age group. f. Can influence all age groups. III. Physical A. Overall Health. 1. Obesity 2. S eizures B. Disorders 1. Postural, Muscular, Skeletal 2. Tendonitis, Nerve compression, Carpal tunnel syndrome IV. Mental A. Addiction 1. Lost sense of reality 2. Social Isolation B. Behavior 1. Mimic video games 2. Aggressive behaviors maybe become worse. C. Style of learning 1.Mastery leading to constant play 2. Rewarded for game play. Violence = Reward V. Graphic Influence A. Violence 1. Resolving to aggression. 2. Using violence in real life. B. Influence. 1. In game content. Drugs, violence, nudity, profanity 2. Higher drug and crime rates. Lower school rate. VI. Counter Arguement. A. Health related 1. Some games involve physical movement. 2. Used to practice work. Ex. Doctors 3. Increased brain activity from puzzles 4. Increased Hand eye coordination B. Miscellaneous 1. Multi billion industry 2. Simply entertaining VII. Conclusion A.With the problems that come with most video games, should they be changed to better our society and fix some of the problems? B. The possibility of physical effects, mental effects, and graphic influence caused by video games, make it seem like the risk of playing most of them are not worth the risk to society.Associated Content from Yahoo! – Associatedcontent. om. Web. 24 Nov. 2010. . â€Å"The Good and Bad Effects of Video Games. † Raise Smart Kid. Web. 23 Nov. 2010. . â€Å"The Impact of Video Games on Society – by Tegan Mcrae – Helium. † Helium – Where Knowledge Rules. Web. 24 Nov. 2010. . â€Å"Teen-Rated Video Games Loaded With Violence – News Room. † Children's Hospital Boston. Web. 24 Nov. 2010. . â€Å"Video Game Addiction. † WebMD – Better Information. Better Health. Web. 23 Nov. 2010. . â€Å"Violent Video Games – Psychologists Help Protect Children from Harmful Effects. † American Psychological Association (APA). Web. 24 Nov. 2010. .