This would become the basis of a profound shift in European knowledge: classical mechanics (Hooker). Francis Bacon (1561-1626), added a key element to the genesis of the mechanical universe in his attacks on traditional knowledge. He proposed the Aristotelean model of induction and empiricism as the best model of human knowledge. This model of systematic empirical induction was the piece that completed the puzzle in the European world view and made the scientific revolution possible (Hooker).

The mechanical universe would emerge from Sir Isaac Newton's work (1642-1727). He based his entire view of the universe on the concept of inertia: every object remains at rest until moved by another object; every object in motion stays in motion until redirected or stopped by another object. He argued that all the planets and other objects in the universe moved according to a physical attraction between them, which is called gravity; this mutual attraction explained the orderly and mechanistic motions of the...

Famous Quote: "I think therefore I am." He invented analytical mathematics. He also wrote Discourse on Method, which reduced nature to mind and matter (the Scientific Revolution).
John Locke (1632-1704) wrote Two Treatises on Government. Because man is free and a rational entity, he has a contract with the state in which he does not give up his inalienable rights of life, liberty, and property. Should an oppressive gov't challenge those rights, then man should rebel. The U.S. founders used this as a guide is establishing precedent for the Revolution.

Bibliography

Hatch, Robert. "Scientific Revolution." August 2002. University of Florida. 3 April 2009 .

Hooker, Richard. "The European Enlightenment: The Scientific Revolution." 1996. Washington State University. 3 April 2009 .

"The Scientific Revolution." n.d. History Online. 3 April 2009 .