Lesson 02
Intellectual Revolutions
that Defined Society
By Kate Ashley Aguirre
& Nigel Aldea
Abstract
In this part of the lesson, the
contributions of three notable
scientists are analyzed. For sure
there were many scientists who
worked before and after these
individuals. However, to note that
these men, particularly their ideas,
had shaken the world:
Nicolaus Copernicus
He is a Renaissance scientist,
revolutionized the understanding
of the universe by observing
heavenly bodies and expressing
his ideas through thought
experiments. After finishing his
doctorate, he became canon at
Frombork Cathedral in Poland,
influenced by the book Epitome,
which included observations and
commentary on Ptolemy's works.
Copernicus Model
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin is prominent for his
theory of evolution that significantly and
radically changed our concept of the
world's creation and its evolution.
Johnson (2012) described Darwin as: "A
genius who came from a line of
intellectually gifted and wealthy
family." Despite struggling with
medicine, he developed an interest in
natural history at Shrewsbury School. His
life changed when he was endorsed to
join a five-year expedition on the
Galapagos Islands.
In 1589, Charles Darwin published "The Origin of
Species", a seminal work in scientific literature that
provided extensive evidence for the theory of
evolution. The book detailed the gradual evolution of
species over time and examined their unique traits
and adaptations. Darwin's scientific pursuits extended
to human evolution as well, culminating in his
controversial work, "The Descent of Man". Through
his theories, Darwin fundamentally challenged the
established religious views that attributed human
origins to divine creation, positing instead that all
organic life, including humans, is the result of
evolutionary processes.
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud is known as the "Father of
Psychoanalysis", a scientific method to
study the human mind and behavior. His
unorthodox approach focused on the
unconscious mind, human sexuality, and the
hidden causes of neuroses, which were not
well understood in medicine during his time.
Though controversial, Freud’s ideas greatly
influenced psychology, art, literature,
philosophy, politics, and psychotherapy.
Today, his theories remain important as a
foundation for understanding the human
mind in a more scientific way.
Freud's Model
Development of
Science Across
Ancient
Civilizations
Development of Science
MESOAMERICA ASIA AFRICA
Abstract
Science developed in Asia, Europe,
Mesoamerica, and Africa. People
invented tools, discovered medicines,
studied the stars, built structures, and
created mathematics. These
contributions helped civilizations
survive and develop technology for
daily life.
Development in Mesoamerica
Mesoamerica
Mayan Civilization
Advanced in astronomy; temples like Chichén
Itzá aligned with equinoxes.
Developed two calendar systems for farming
and rituals.
Built cities, hydraulic systems, looms, and
mineral-based paints.
Created a base-20 number system, concept of
zero, and hieroglyphic writing.
Chichén itzá Hieroglyphic writing
Calendar system
Mesoamerica
Incan Civilization
Built roads, earthquake-resistant
structures, suspension bridges.
Developed quipu (knotted ropes
for records), calendars, irrigation
systems, and textiles.
QUIPU
Mesoamerica
Aztec Civilization
Mandatory education for children.
Developed antispasmodic medicines,
Chinampa farming, canoes, chocolate,
and a calendar for rituals and
planting.
Development in Asia
Asia
Asia, the largest continent, was home
to ancient civilizations like India, China,
and the Middle East. These civilizations
made major contributions to science,
technology, and mathematics.
India
Advanced metallurgy and Ayurveda medicine.
Astronomy: 360-day year, planetary theories.
Mathematics: algebra, trigonometry, zero,
Hindu-Arabic numerals
Metallurgy and ayurverda medicine
China
Medicine: acupuncture, herbalremedies.
Technology: compass, papermaking, gunpowder,
printing, iron plough, wheelbarrow, bridges.
Astronomy: eclipses, comets, calendars,
seismology.
Accupuncture
Development in Middle East Countries
MIDDLE EAST
Golden Age ofIslam: emphasized experiments
and the scientific method.
Mathematics: algebra, algorithms (Al-Khwarizmi).
Chemistry: Jābir ibn Hayyan
Medicine: Ibn Sina advanced clinical trials,
studied infectious diseas
Development in Africa
Africa
Africa had advanced scientific and
mathematical knowledge long before
colonization.
Ancient Egyptians excelled in astronomy,
mathematics, medicine, and architecture.
Geometry was applied in farming, pyramids, and
dam construction along the Nile.
Africa
Africans practiced astronomy using lunar, solar,
and stellar calendars to predict seasons.
Metallurgy and iron technology were used for
tools, agriculture, and construction.
Mathematical skills, from the Lebombo Bone to
algebra and trigonometry in Islamic Africa,
showed their lasting contributions.
01 02 03
Egyptian Pyramids Egyptian Medical Papyrus
Nile River with
Farmlands
04 05
Iron Tools or Weapons
Lebombo Bone (artifact)
(Bronze/Iron Age)
Key Points
Copernicus – Sun-centered universe, start of Scientific Revolution.
Darwin – Evolution by natural selection, evidence-based science.
Freud – Psychoanalysis, unconscious mind, impact on psychology & culture.
The Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs in Mesoamerica contributed greatly through
astronomy, calendars, mathematics, farming innovations, and education.
In Asia, India advanced medicine, mathematics, and astronomy; China
introduced compass, paper, gunpowder, and printing; while the Middle East
developed algebra, optics, and medicine.
In Africa, Egyptians pioneered geometry, pyramids, medicine, and
astronomy, while other regions advanced metallurgy, mathematics, and
calendars.
Thank you!