Download Scientific Revolution, Absolutism & Enlightenment Cheat Sheet and more Study notes Calculus in PDF only on Docsity! Scientific Revolution, Absolutism & Enlightenment Cheat Sheet Scientific Revolution Sir Isaac Newton, Bacon, Galileo and Johannes Kepler are all directly associated with the Scientific Revolution ● Knowledge should be based on experimentation and observation (Empiricism) ● Bacon: Scientific method was used to solve problems ● Kepler: Planets travel in ellipses and move faster as they approach the sun ● Newton: Gravity, Laws of Motion, Calculus ● Copernicus—Heliocentric model of universe ● Galileo— ● Agreed with Copernicus’ heliocentric model ● Invented first telescope ● Recanted (took back) his scientific beliefs because he feared that the Church might excommunicate him Absolutism—A system of government where a ruler has complete control over the lives of the people ● Divine right theory—belief that kings and queens had been given their power from God ○ This theory is similar to the term “Mandate of Heaven” used by dynastic rulers in China to justify their political power. ● Absolute monarchs sought (wanted) to centralize and maintain absolute power ● Absolute rulers determined government policies without the consent of their people ● Machiavelli believed that a wise ruler is one who does what is necessary to stay in power ● Monarchs gain power and Nobles lose power Example of Absolute Rule in Europe: France ● The Sun King—Louis XIV—“I am the State” (Best example of Absolute Power—strong monarchy with the king firmly in charge) o Has a large network of spies o Decreased the power of the nobles o Spends a lot of money-uses power for the good of the monarchy ▪ Builds palace of Versailles ▪ Enters many wars that he can’t win Enlightenment An intellectual movement that stressed reason and thought and the power of the individual to solve problems • Hobbes 1588-1679 o Leviathan o Humans are naturally selfish, wicked, and need a strong gov’t to maintain order o Believes Absolute Monarchy is best form of gov’t/Supports Autocratic ideas • Locke 1632-1704 o Two Treatises on Government o Purpose of gov’t is to protect natural rights—Life, Liberty, Property o All humans naturally good and capable of governing themselves • Gov’t power comes from the people/“consent of the governed” • Montesquieu 1689-1755 o Spirit of Laws o Separation of Powers • Voltaire 1694-1788 o Candide Satire of church & gov’t o “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” o Champions free speech, freedom of religion & tolerance (against religious fanaticism)
