Controversial at the time Copernicus' discoveries led to the
scientific revolution, and a greater understanding of our place in the
universe.
Copernicus' pioneering discovery of the heliocentric nature of the solar
system is one of the few identifiable moments in history that define the
understanding of the nature of all things. Renaissance Natural
philosopher Copernicus's great work was the consequence of long
observation and resulted in the the first stage of the Scientific
Revolution by correctly positing that the earth and other planets of the
solar system revolved around the sun. Not only did this promote further
study to understand the place of humanity in the world and the universe,
it questioned the authority of the organised Christian Church in the
West to be the keeper of fundamental truths. Ultimately this would lead
to the Enlightenment, and the separation of religion, government and
science.
The FLAME TREE Foundations series features core publications which
together have shaped the cultural landscape of the modern world, with
cutting-edge research distilled into pocket guides designed to be both
accessible and informative.