Christianity and the Origin of Modern Science

What distinguishes modern science from ancient science?

• Use of the scientific method

• Advances in mathematics and astronomy

• Belief in the deification of nature

• Rejection of mysticism and astrology

What are the six basic presuppositions that provide the framework for modern science?

• Order in nature, uniformity of nature, validity of sense perceptions, principle of simplicity, moral responsibility, consensus of acceptance

• Cyclical view of history, pseudo-scientific explanations, deification of nature, denial of the existence or orderliness of the universe, organismic view of nature, lack of balance between faith and reason

• Testing, verification, falsification, pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, contemplation, reflection

• Biblical method of interpretation, Ockham's razor, God as transcendent, God as the lawgiver, creation reflects the Creator, world has a beginning and ending

Which early scientist is known for his work on establishing the heliocentric model for the solar system?

• Nicholas Copernicus

• Galileo Galilei

• Johannes Kepler

• Isaac Newton

Who developed the first working telescope and discovered the moons of Jupiter, sun spots, and moon craters?

• Nicholas Copernicus

• Galileo Galilei

• Johannes Kepler

• Isaac Newton

Which scientist derived three laws of planetary motion based on observational data?

• Nicholas Copernicus

• Galileo Galilei

• Johannes Kepler

• Isaac Newton

Who formulated the famous three equations of motion and developed the law of gravity?

• Nicholas Copernicus

• Galileo Galilei

• Johannes Kepler

• Isaac Newton

Which scientist laid the foundation for modern chemistry and overthrew alchemy?

• Nicholas Copernicus

• Galileo Galilei

• Robert Boyle

• Isaac Newton

Who developed an adding machine and made advances in geometry, mathematics, and fluid mechanics?

• Nicholas Copernicus

• Galileo Galilei

• Blaise Pascal

• Isaac Newton

Who developed a classification system for identifying plants and invented binomial nomenclature?

• Nicholas Copernicus

• Galileo Galilei

• Carolus Linneaus

• Isaac Newton

What are some of the impediments that hindered the growth of science in ancient civilizations?

• Order in nature, uniformity of nature, validity of sense perceptions, principle of simplicity, moral responsibility, consensus of acceptance

• Cyclical view of history, pseudo-scientific explanations, deification of nature, denial of the existence or orderliness of the universe, organismic view of nature, lack of balance between faith and reason

• Testing, verification, falsification, pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, contemplation, reflection

• Biblical method of interpretation, Ockham's razor, God as transcendent, God as the lawgiver, creation reflects the Creator, world has a beginning and ending