Copernicus’ Role in the Scientific Revolution: Philosophical Merits and Influence on Later Scientists

Abstract

Nicolaus Copernicus\u27 publication of De Revolutionibus Orbium Coesltium marks the beginning of a revolution in the field of astronomy and physics. Within 150 years, a heliocentric system became almost universally accepted in the scientific community. Copernicus’ model was significant not because it of its scientific merit, but because of its ideological appeal to scientists during the 16th through 18th century. This paper explores the philosophical foundations of Copernicus\u27 model, and examines his influence in later work of four significant astronomers and physicists, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton