2005b Science

2005B Science

Throughout the 1500s to 1700s, many scientific ideas emerged which challenged the old, existing ones like Copernicus’ heliocentric theory which was backed by Kepler and Galileo. Many factors affected the work of scientists. For example, in a drawing to commemorate Louis XIV’s visit to the French Royal Academy in 1671, it displayed Louis XIV surrounding himself with many scientific objects (Doc 10). Since Louis XIV, also known as the Sun King, was a popular ruler during his time, he wanted to advocate his popularity with the people by participating in activities that benefited mankind. Throughout the 16th century to the 18th century, many factors affected the works and ideas of scientists, starting with religious figures, which objected the heliocentric theory and liked the old geocentric theory, and then to government officials, who advocated for new discoveries and teachings, and then to social figures, who simply adored science and felt that it benefited all of mankind, and at last to philosophers, who felt that everyday life should be endowed with new teachings and powers.

The first factor that affected the work of scientists were the religious figures.

Doc 3 and 5. Doc 3: Giovanni Ciampoli displays an opposing bias because he was a Catholic monk who was taught to believe in the geocentric theory instead of the heliocentric theory. Also, during this time, the heliocentric theory contested with the Aristotelian view that had been adopted as the official Roman Catholic view of the solar system.

The second factor that affected the research of scientists were the government officials.

Doc 6 and 11. Doc 11: Jean Baptiste Colbert portrayed an optimistic view towards new discoveries and teachings because his master, Louis XIV, was a man who enjoyed and strived for new scientific discoveries. However, his view is highly