Copernican Theory vs Ptolemy System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Copernican Theory vs Ptolemy System - Essay Example A new anomaly-resolving paradigm is born. Copernicus’ heliocentric theory was revolutionary because it set into motions a paradigmatic shift from the Ptolemaic system of cycles and epicycles and geocentric planetary system to the present single theory of planetary motion and heliocentric system of the universe.It is vital, at this point, to know what constitutes a scientific revolution. In this regard, Thomas Kuhn whose book The Structure of Scientific Revolution has greatly influenced the history and philosophy of science should be consulted. According to him, a scientific revolution can be recognized by the following characteristics:   the presence of   anomalies in the previous paradigm and the failure of scientific recourse to resolve them; the ability of the new paradigm to provide solutions to such anomalies; the incommensurability of the old and new paradigms; the invisibility of scientific revolutions; the creation of a community shift with respect to the relevant area of science, and; finally, a change, on the part of scientists from being puzzle solvers to paradigm testers after the new paradigm takes over.Taking into consideration the above principles, it is appropriate at this juncture to scrutinize the work of Copernicus vis-à  -vis the Ptolemaic system. According to Copernicus, the then acknowledged system were incoherent because they lack a common methodical consensus in ascertaining the movements, they failed to obtain their purpose, and the mathematicians cannot define the shape and pattern of the universe. Since he cannot explain these anomalies within the existing geocentric paradigm, Copernicus read ancient writers and philosophers’ works and discovered the idea of a moving earth and declared that if â€Å"the motions of the of the rest of the planets be brought into relation with the circulation of the earth [†¦] the heavens themselves become so bound together.†