Unit Q 18

Choose three of the following and discuss each one 's contribution to the Scientific Revolution : Copernicus , Galileo , Kepler , Bacon , Newton and Brahe . Which of the three made the most important contribution and why

A number of scientists represent that period in history that ushered in modern science : the Scientific Revolution . This period replaced traditional Aristotelian science , challenged long-held scientific beliefs and introduced empiricism in scientific inquiry . Three representative scientists of this period are Nicolaus Copernicus Galileo Galilei and Isaac Newton

Copernicus 's book On the Revolution of the Celestial Sphere

revolutionized thinking in the 16th century by asserting that the sun is the center of the solar system , in contradiction to the Ptolemaic system promoted by the Church . For his work , Copernicus is considered as to have begun the entire period of Scientific Revolution

Galileo 's major accomplishments were in the field of astronomy with his discovery of Jupiter 's moons , the sunspot , and improvements to the telescope . However , he is also famous for promoting the scientific method and the Copernican Theory , for which he was taken in house arrest by the Vatican for heresy

Newton is famous for his Three Laws of Motion , explained in the groundbreaking book , Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica . His work became the basis for Classical Mechanics and modern engineering Newton also influenced Mathematics with his solutions in differentiation , integration and method of fluxions

Of the three scientists enumerated above , Galileo may be considered as the one who made the most important contribution to science . Copernicus may have changed the scientific landscape with his discovery but it was when Galileo promoted heliocentrism and got arrested when everyone took notice . His telescope is the precursor to the modern telescope . His discoveries in astronomy began a fascination for the universe . Newton developed his laws of motion by studying Galileo 's own studies . Finally his promotion of the scientific method made Einstein call Galileo as the father of modern science ' Galileo 's greatness , therefore , lies on the fact that his contributions to science inspired other and greater scientists who came after him ...