Do you think Aristarchus of Samos and other ancient scientists ideas contributed to more modern scientists vie
Tuesday, August 30th, 2011Question by milthistagent: Do you think Aristarchus of Samos and other ancient scientists ideas contributed to more modern scientists vie
Do you think ancient scientists, mathematicians, philosophers ideas contributed to more modern scientists like Newton, Einstein, Copernicus?
For example: Aristarchus of Samos proposed the first heliocentric model of the Universe. Did Copernicus use that as part of his research? (It was also proposed by Seleucus and Vedic texts)
Best answer:
Answer by xx_villainess_xx
Definitely. Ancient scientists, mathematicians, philosophers, etc. laid the foundations for those of today. Aristarchus of Samos is a perfect example. He was the first known astronomer to propose the heliocentric model of the solar system (the sun being the center of the solar system) at a time when the geocentric model (the earth being the center of the solar system) was more widely accepted. Plato, his student, Aristotle, Ptolemy, and many others supported the geocentric model. Seleucus was the last known astronomer to have supported the heliocentric model proposed by Aristarchus–and like you said, it was also found much earlier in Vedic texts–until Copernicus came along.
I remember reading somewhere that it was said that Copernicus had cited Aristarchus’ theory in one of his manuscripts, but the citation was never released for publication because he was not directly inspired by Aristarchus, contrary to popular belief. And that the Copernican theory stemmed not from an astronomer’s standpoint, rather a “simple” mathematician’s hypothesis.
Whatever the case might be, these are people that laid the foundation for their successors (Galileo, etc.). Their theories were scrutinized and revised for centuries…and what we NOW know is the result.
Here are some others that are worthy of note:
Leucippus and his student Democritus, and their atomic theory
Pythagoras and his Pythagorean theorem (a^2 + b^2= c^2). The theorem itself is believed to predate Pythagoras’ existence, but he was credited with discovering it and proving it to be true.
Alcmaeon of Croton, an ancient Greek philosopher who “dabbled” in medicine (there is no conclusive evidence that he was a physician, though most of his work dealt with medical science). He performed human dissection for medical research; supported the idea that the brain was the “powerhouse” of the body, the source of our intelligence and consciousness; and made a connection between the brain, nerves and sensory organs.
Hippocrates, the father of medicine. He was the first to rationalize diseases and illnesses; considered that diseases and illnesses could potentially be attributed to one’s environment and/or family history; and of course I have to mention his contribution of the Hippocratic Oath.
Archimedes, the greatest mathematician in history, and his Archimedes’ Principle (buoyancy).
Eratosthenes, who was said to be the first to have calculated the circumference of the Earth (and it wasn’t too far off), and also devised the longitude and latitude system.
These are just a few that I can think of at the moment (I could probably list a ton more), without taking the time to pull out notes or do some research. Unfortunately I could only think of those of Greek origin, but there are many others from other regions worthy of note as well.
What do you think? Answer below!
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