History of Ideas: Medieval to Modern

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What is the Ptolemaic System?

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A geocentric model dominant throughout the Middle Ages, tracing back to Claudius Ptolemy's work in the 2nd century CE.

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Who challenged the Ptolemaic System and when?

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Nicolas Copernicus challenged it with his heliocentric model published in 1543.

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What did Francis Bacon contribute to philosophy?

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He championed empiricism and inductive reasoning, outlining his method in Novum Organum (1620).

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What significant events occurred during the Age of Discovery?

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Sir Francis Drake's circumnavigation (1577-1580), defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588), founding of the East India Company (1600), and Jamestown (1607).

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What was the English Civil War?

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A conflict from 1642-1651 that included the execution of Charles I and led to the Glorious Revolution.

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What is Thomas Hobbes' view of human nature?

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Presented in Leviathan (1651), he had a materialistic view advocating for a strong sovereign.

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What did John Locke argue in his Second Treatise of Government?

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He offered a more optimistic view of human nature, emphasizing individual rights and limited government.

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What is Whiggism?

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An ideology emphasizing progress and reform that emerged during the 18th century.

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What was the impact of the British Empire on the economy in the 18th century?

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Significant economic expansion fueled by capitalism and the rise of new social classes.

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What is Adam Smith known for?

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His work, The Wealth of Nations (1776), introduced concepts like self-interest as an economic driver and the 'invisible hand'.