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Critical Thinking
Scientific Method, Reasoning and Propaganda

Sources: Encarta. COM, m-w.com
 

Scientific Revolution and Reasoning
The Scientific Revolution was not a real revolution, as it was started by only a few men.
These men imposed small changes on the existing models of thought and changed the kinds of questions and methods of investigation and reasoning.
Many of the major figures of this intellectual movement had to deal with the resistance of the Catholic church.
Many teachings were considered dangerous or against God.

Scientific Revolution
Nicolaus Copernicus- Rejection of Earth-centered universe, a theory of Ptolemy, official explanation.
Heliocentric - Earth moved around the sun
Galileo Galilei- 1st to use telescope. The Catholic church condemned his for heresy.
Proved nature could be measured by math and thus a cold, rational system, not a living thing with will, understanding and intention.
Sir Francis Bacon‘s successfully influenced the acceptance of accurate observation and experimentation in science. He maintained that all prejudices and preconceived attitudes must be abandoned.
Influenced empiricism (learn through experience relentlessly,) retooling induction reasoning, (generalization and inferences taken from a few experiences)
Scientific Method derived from this and used even today in science classes and experiments.

Italian physicist and astronomer Galileo maintained that the earth revolved around the sun, disputing the belief held by the Roman Catholic church that the earth was the center of the universe. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. It was not until 1984 that a papal commission acknowledged that the church was wrong.
Widely considered the most influential and versatile English writer of the 17th century, Sir Francis Bacon addressed a broad range of topics in his works, including ethics, philosophy, science, law, and history. He also enjoyed a long political career.

Propaganda
The spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person.

Religious Propaganda- First used by St. Paul to convert pagans and Jews to Christianity
Jesuits were able to reclaim large areas of central Europe lost to Protestantism during the Reformation using propaganda.
In 1622 Pope Gregory XV established the Congregation of Propaganda to direct these activities of the Roman Catholic church.
The Protestant reformers of the 16th century were effective propagandists, and missionaries have carried the Protestant faith to every part of the world .

Political Propaganda first used by Assyrians to terrify their upcoming enemies, also by Julius Caesar.
The Declaration of Independence, by Thomas Jefferson, was a masterpiece of rational propaganda intended to crystallize public opinion at home and justify the controversial American cause abroad.
Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, and known collectively as The Federalist to persuade Americans to adopt the Constitution.