Lecture 14: The Revolutions of Nicolaus Copernicus

In 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus re-introduced the Heliocentric idea of Aristarchus of Samos in an attempt to purge Ptolemy's geocentric system of the un-Aristotelian idea of the Equant. His goal was to derive a model that, in his words, pleased the mind as well as preserved appearances. What he started, without intending, was a profound revolution in thought that was to overturn both Ptolemy and Aristotle within two centuries, and help give birth the the modern world. This lecture looks at the Copernican system, and sets the stage for the scientific revolution of the following generations. Recorded 2006 Oct 10 in 100 Stillman Hall on the Columbus campus of The Ohio State University.