Isaac Bacon, And Rene Descartes: The Theory Of Geocentrism

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The theory of Geocentrism states that all planets as well as the Sun orbit the Earth. Even though we see the sun move across the sky and it feels as if the earth stands still I believe in Helocentrism; the theory that the Earth orbits the Sun. Due to the early natural philosophical assumptions of Isaac Newton, Francis Bacon, and Rene Descartes I reject the theory of Geocentrism.
Rene Descartes uses logic and mathematics to convince me that the theory of Geocentrism is incorrect. In his Discourse, he expresses the perfection of math when he writes, “I found mathematics especially delightful because of the certainty and clarity of its reasoning. But I did not yet notice its true use. Thinking it was practical only in the mechanical arts, I was …show more content…

Descartes explains that math is one of the only perfect things in the world. Math has a solid foundation, and there certainty in every question. Descartes has a huge influence in the Cartesian coordinate system, which “allows to take reference points in space in a set of numbers”. One reason why I reject Geocentrism is because of the Cartesian coordinate system. Scientists have used this to understand and plot Earth’s elliptical orbit in a mathematical sense. Descartes did not trust anyone he didn’t even trust himself. This caused him to fall in love with math and physics, because of the certainty and truth in the principles. In his Discourse, he explains, “For my notions had made me see that it is possible to reach understandings which are extremely useful for life, and that instead of the speculative philosophy which is taught in the schools, we can find a practical philosophy by which, through understanding the force and actions of fire, air, stars, heavens, and all the other bodies which surround us” (Part 6). Explaining how life is more than the mind and soul, Descartes provides society with the beginning of the laws of nature as well as an introduction of planetary motion. Using his newly acquired knowledge he shows us that …show more content…

The inductive method requires an organized procedure to investigate all natural things. In the Novum Organum, Bacon discusses this topic when he writes, “Neither the naked hand nor the understanding left to itself can effect much. It is by the instruments and helps that the work is done, which are as much wanted for the understanding as for the hand. And as the instruments of the hand either give motion or guide it, so the instruments of the mind supply either suggestions for the understandings or cautions” (27). Bacon explains what the hands and tools of the world can achieve the mind is the power behind it all. Bacon is correct, no matter what machines and our hands can do, our mind controls the outcome of our thoughts. Another reason why I reject the theory of Geocentrism is even though we see the sun move across the sky, satellite videos have now given us plenty of data to prove that the Earth orbits the sun. As humans we must understand that not everything we see is how it exists in nature. In the Trials of Modernity, Bacon writes, “Scientific understanding can only come from the careful and ongoing observation of specific occurrences” (27). Bacon explains consistent data that returns the same answer is key to understanding all things. With technology we can gather more data than ever before. This data can be tested, manipulated, and changed to test if we get the same results. Technology has more

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