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Scientific Revolution
A major change in European thought, starting in the mid-1500s, in which the study of the natural world began to be characterized by careful observation and the questioning of accepted beliefs.
Renee Descartes
a scientist that believed that science should be based on observation and experimentation. He famously stated, "I think therefore I am"
William Harvey
English physician and scientist who described the circulation of the blood
Anthony van Leeuwenhoek
Used the microscope to examine cells and bacteria
The Enlightenment
A philosophical movement which started in Europe and applied reason and the scientific method to address problems in society and government.
invisible hand
term economists use to describe the self-regulating nature of a free market
Scientific Method
A logical, systematic approach to the solution of a scientific problem that involves experimentation and observation.
Thomas Hobbes
believed that people are born selfish and need a strong central authority/ powerful government
John Locke
English philosopher who argued that people have natural rights (life, liberty, and property)
Baron de Montesquieu
believed government should have separation of power; executive, legislative, and judicial
Johannes Kepler
German astronomer who first stated laws of planetary motion (1571-1630). He used mathematical principles to prove that planets move in elliptical patterns.
Isaac Newton
Defined the laws of motion and gravity. His theories explain the motion of planets
Checks and balances
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
Rousseau
believed people in their natural state were basically good but that they were corrupted by the evils of society, especially the uneven distribution of property. Wrote "The Social Contract"
Philosophe
a group of social thinkers in France during the Enlightenment. Means: "Lover of Wisdom"
Galileo
He was the first person to use a telescope to observe objects in space. He discovered that planets and moons are physical bodies and the earth and planets are in motion. He was forced to recant (take back) his teachings by the church.
Robert Boyle
Founder of modern chemistry
Salon
Informal social gatherings at which writers, artists, philosophes, and others exchanged ideas
Voltaire
French philosopher who wrote about social inequality, injustice, and abuse of power.
Encyclopedia, Diderot
A collection of general knowledge used to spread Enlightenment ideas on government, economics, religion, and philosophy.
Francis Bacon
developed the scientific method
Andreas Vasalius
first scientist to dissect humans to learn more about anatomy
Mary Wollstonecraft
English writer and early feminist who denied male supremacy and argued for equal education for women
Adam Smith
Scottish economist who wrote the Wealth of Nations which defined how a free market works
Laissez-faire
Idea that government should interfere as little as possible in the nation's economy. French for "Let do"