Overview
This lecture covers major intellectual revolutions: their paradigm shifts, how they changed human perspectives, and the technological advancements of the information age.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss paradigm shifts throughout history.
- Explain the impact of intellectual revolutions on worldviews.
- Describe technological advancements in the information age.
Intellectual Revolutions and Their Impact
- Intellectual revolutions bring major changes in scientific thinking and societal beliefs.
- Three main revolutions discussed: Copernican, Darwinian, and Freudian.
Copernican Revolution
- Nicolaus Copernicus proposed that the sun, not the earth, is the center of the universe (heliocentric model).
- The earlier geocentric model, supported by the Catholic Church, placed earth at the center.
- Copernicus' ideas were initially rejected and he faced persecution.
- Giordano Bruno supported Copernicus and was executed for his beliefs.
- Galileo Galilei supported heliocentrism using the invention of the telescope.
- The acceptance of heliocentrism marked the birth of modern astronomy and the scientific revolution.
Darwinian Revolution
- Charles Darwin introduced the theory of evolution by natural selection.
- Evolution states that populations adapt and change over time to survive.
- Key work: "On the Origin of Species" which laid out the evidence for evolution.
Freudian Revolution
- Sigmund Freud founded the psychodynamic approach in psychology.
- Freud viewed unconscious drives as key to understanding human behavior.
- He introduced psychoanalysis, emphasizing conscious and unconscious influences on emotions and actions.
- Personality, according to Freud, is shaped by the id, ego, and superego.
- Freud’s work led to psychology being seen as more scientific rather than philosophical.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Paradigm Shift — a major change in basic scientific concepts and practices.
- Heliocentric Model — the theory that the sun is at the center of the universe.
- Geocentric Model — the belief that the earth is at the universe’s center.
- Natural Selection — process through which species adapt for survival.
- Psychoanalysis — Freud’s theory studying conscious and unconscious factors influencing behavior.
- Id, Ego, Superego — Freud’s three parts of human personality.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the details of the three major intellectual revolutions.
- Read about technological advancements in the information age.
- Prepare for questions on how these revolutions changed beliefs and scientific understanding.