Ptolemy
Ancient Greek astronomer whose ideas formed the basis of the Ptolemaic system -> saw universe as geocentric; accepted as correct by church
Nicholas Copernicus
Polish mathematician whose ideas challenged Ptolemy -> saw universe as heliocentric - On the Revolutions of Heavenly Bodies
Galileo Galilei
Italian mathematician and astronomer was first European to utilize a telescope regularly -> backed Copernicus -> was forced to recant by church
Isaac Newton
English mathematician who disproved Ptolemaic system using laws of gravitation -> Principia = created new picture of our universe
Francis Bacon
English philosopher who developed the Scientific Method -> crucial to the evolution of science
Voltaire
French writer and thinker -> he was a champion of Deism as well as freedom of speech
Rene Descartes
French thinker and writer -> he is considered the father of rationalism -> emphasized importance of mind and reason overall
Denis Diderot
French writer best known for his encyclopedia -> emphasized ideas of toleration & humanity = sold across Europe, spread ideas
Marie Wollstonecraft
English writer -> vindication of rights of women -> founder of women’s rights
Frederick II
Well educated and cultured; leader of Prussia -> enlarged the army and controlled government tightly
Maria Theresa
Inherited the throne of Austria causing the Austrian war of succession -> worked to strengthen Austria -> did not reform society
Joseph II
Son of Maria Theresa -> king of Austria - established a far reaching enlightened program; freed serfs, encouraged tolerance, and reform failed
Catherine the Great
German born Czarina of Russia; expanded Russian territory to the south and west; cracked down on peasant revolts
