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Science, Technology And Society

Science, Technology And Society. What astronomy teaches us. When scientific discovery, conjecture or theory challenges belief , there will be conflict. A classic example occurred during the middle ages The controversy was whether or not the earth was the center of the universe. Two models:.

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Science, Technology And Society

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  1. Science, Technology And Society What astronomy teaches us.

  2. When scientific discovery, conjecture or theory challenges belief, there will be conflict.

  3. A classic example occurred during the middle ages • The controversy was whether or not the earth was the center of the universe.

  4. Two models: • Ptolemaic/geocentric • Copernican/heliocentric

  5. Geocentric—earth at center Makes sense—it does appear that objects orbit the earth.

  6. The geocentric model is usually attributed to (Claudius) Ptolemy AD 90 -- AD 168

  7. In order for everything to orbit the EARTH, theorists needed to be able to explainRETROGRADE MOTION.

  8. Retrograde Motion Some planets appear to move BACKWARDS in their orbits at times. Retrograde Motion of Mars http://www.lasalle.edu/~smithsc/Astronomy/retrograd.html

  9. Ptolemy suggested that this occurred due to “epicycles”– within their orbits, the planets had smaller orbits.

  10. To explain the backward motions, Each planet moved around a smaller circle as it orbited the earth.

  11. On the other hand, if the earth is orbiting the sun along with the other planets, it makes sense that faster, inner planets would approach, pass, and move away from slower, outer planets.

  12. The IDEA of a sun-centered universe • Is usually credited to Aristarchus of Samos, third century BC • (310BC-230BC)

  13. The first formal heliocentric model is attributed to Nikolas Copernicus, 1473-1543 A Polish doctor, lawyer and amateur astronomer.

  14. Copernicus • Thought the retrograde motion of the planets could be explained just as easily if ALL planets orbited the SUN.

  15. Copernicus: • still used epicycles in his model • waited until near his death to publish his ideas, which received little attention for nearly 100 years.

  16. WHY? Was the earth-centered universe accepted for almost 1400 years? • The Copernican model really didn’t describe planetary motion any better than the Ptolemaic. • There is no physical sensation of the earth orbiting. • No parallax shift

  17. Most importantly: 1. The historical context was not one which encouraged scientific discussion. -Literacy was low. -Practically no travel, communication, written texts

  18. 2. The growing influence of the holy roman church. The church was the dominant intellectual and political force in Europe. The church much preferred the Aristotle/Ptolemy model.

  19. Man, God’s great creation, • Would be at the center of all

  20. Everything else • In the universe would be created for man, and his divine home, the earth.

  21. So, the sun • Existed to warm the home of man.

  22. Furthermore, • The emphasis on circular orbits and epicycles was good—the circle is a “perfect” shape, and God’s creations were perfect.

  23. In 1517, the protestant movement began in Germany. • Martin Luther, the leader of the movement, spoke out in favor of heliocentrism.

  24. As a result, The Catholic church actually expressed some interest in Copernicus’ book, even though it contradicted church doctrine.

  25. Those who spoke against church doctrine • Were labeled ‘heretics.” • The could be kicked out of the church, identified as outlaws, imprisoned or put to death.

  26. Giordano Bruno • 1548-1600 • Burned at stake for heresy

  27. Bruno’s heresy: • The sun was just another star, and there were probably people elsewhere in the universe.

  28. It is out of this context that • Experimental science was born. • The issue of the organization of the universe (solar system) came down to • the introduction of new technology • the collection of data

  29. TO BE CONTINUED….

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