Copernicus- Rebellion Essay Example

Copernicus- Rebellion Essay In the late 1400s to the mid 1500s, people believed that the earth was the center of the universe. Ptolemy stated that the Earth was stationary and that the sun, moon, planets, and stars revolved around imaginary points, which in turn revolved around the Earth. Copernicus knew that nature acted in the simplest ways, so he questioned why the planets would move in such a ponderous scheme of circles (Bolton 5). Copernicus made long and careful observations of the stars and planets throughout most of his life and was convinced that the geocentric theory of the universe was incorrect (Siedel 26). Afraid to denounce his theory, Copernicus did not publish the book of his theories, Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres, until four weeks before his death on May 24, 1543 (Siedel 27).Copernicus was skeptical to the thinking during the time he was alive because Aristotle and Ptolemys theories of the universe were based on religion and gods. As predictions made in agreement to their theories became more and more inaccurate, Copernicus searched for an explanation that was closer in agreement with his observations of the planets and stars. Copernicus rebelled against the powers that be by studying heavenly bodies in accordance to his own theory and publishing volumes that completely contradicted the beliefs of the people of the Middle Ages: In the midst of all dwells the sun. In 1543, European thought was dominated by the theories of Aristotle, who centuries before had divided the world into two separate entities: one changeable and corruptible, inhabited by man, and the other indestructible and inhabited by gods. The geocentric theory of the universe was also such a cornerstone of the medieval Christian faith that to challenge it was the same as arguing with the scriptures (Siedel 26). Ptolemys theory was so entwined with matters of the church and scriptures that it remained absolutely unquestioned for 1400 ye