Chapter 3.2 Notes

Chapter 3.2 Notes

Why does modern science trace its roots to the Greeks?

·        Our mathematical and scientific heritage originated with the civilizations of the middle east

·        Greeks were the first people known to make models of nature.

·        They tried to explain patterns in nature without resorting to myth or the supernatural.

How did the greeks explain planetary motion?

·        Earth at the center of the universe

·        Heavens must be “perfect”--- objects move on perfect spheres or in perfect circles.

·        The most sophisticated geocentric model was that of Ptolemy.

·        The Ptolemaic model had each planet move on a small circle whose center moves around earth on a larger circle.

How did Islamic scientists preserve and extend greek science?

·        The muslim world preserved and enhanced the knowledge they received from the greeks while Europe was in its dark ages.

·        Al-Mamuns house of wisdom in Baghdad was a great center of learning around AD 800

·        With the fall of Constantinople in 1453, eastern scholars headed west to Europe, carrying knowledge that helped ignite the European renaissance.

·        Islamic scientists archived and improved on greek learning. Their knowledge was eventually carried back to Europe, helping to ignite the European renaissance.