Science evolved dramatically during this time period, particularly during the mid 16th century in the Scientific Revolution. Old scientific ideas of the Greeks and Romans were replaced with new concepts based on an empirical approach. Learn more and engage students with lessons and activities with Storyboard That.
Enlightenment Scientific Revolution - T-Chart Graphic organizers for science
Storyboard Text
Galileo Galilei
Innovation
Copernicus was right! The sun is at the center. We are just one of many heavenly bodies circling the sun
Trouble with the Church
Reaction
Repent!
Galileo spent years perfecting his telescopes and making detailed observations of heavenly bodies and their movements.
Voltaire
Church leaders were alarmed at Galileo's findings, because they contradicted what the church taught. Galileo was summoned before the Pope in 1633 and forced to claim that his conclusions were false.
The Enlightened Despots
Copernicus was wrong to challenge church teachings.
Bring this to the postmaster. It must get to the Queen of Russia!
Joseph II of Austria
Catherine The Great of Russia
Fredrick II of Prussia
The influence of Voltaire and other Enlightenment philosophies was widespread.
Rousseau
All religions have value...
The philosophes influenced a group of "Enlightened Despots". They were absolute monarchs who were interested in using Enlightenment thinking in their policies.
Trouble with the Church
Burn the works of Rousseau!
Rousseau argued that all religions were aimed at the same goal: creating virtuous people. Therefore they have equal value.
Blasphemy!
This opinion got Rousseau in hot water with religious leaders in Paris. His books were burned, and he fled Paris to avoid arrest.