| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| geocentric theory | the theory that earth is the center of the universe, and the sun, moon, and planets revolve around the world |
| scientific revolution | the posing and testing of theories about the natural world that began in the mid-1500s in Europe. |
| scientific method | a five-step process used to investigate scientific hypotheses |
| rene descartes | french scholar who used reason- logic and math- to prove basic truths |
| nicolaus copernicus | polish astronomer who recognized the inaccuracy of the geocentric theory; his complete model of the solar system supported the heliocentric theory . |
| heliocentric theory | the theory that the sun is near the center of the universe and the earth rotates around the sun. |
| Galileo Galilei | Italian astronomer who built the first telescope and published a book that supported Galileo's heliocentric theory |
| isaac newton | English scientist , developed the universal laws of gravity and motion |
| enlightenment | the time during which philosophers emphasized the use of reason to understand truth, also known as the age of reason |
| salons | social gatherings at which writers,artists, and thinkers discussed their ideas |
| social contract | the arrangement between between individuals and their government: people give up some of their personal freedoms in exchange for order, peace,and safety |
| John Locke | political philosopher whose ideas about government later influenced the writers of the constitution. |
| jean-jacques rousseau | thinker who believed people were naturally good but that society corrupts. |
| baron de montesquieu | writer who argued in favor of separation of power and checks and balances in government |
| philosophers | french term for the philosophers of the Enlightenment |
| voltaire | witty french writer who supports justice, liberty, and religious tolerance |
| enlightened despots | rulers insipired by enlightenment ideas to make social reforms |
chapter 19