Why was the Copernican model a controversial proposition? Select the three correct answers.(2 points)
Responses
It was a complex model.
It was a complex model.
It demoted Earth to just another planet.
It demoted Earth to just another planet.
It contradicted religious doctrine of the time.
It contradicted religious doctrine of the time.
It was not supported by observations.
It was not supported by observations.
It was mostly incorrect.
It was mostly incorrect.
It contradicted established scientific understanding.
It contradicted religious doctrine of the time.
It demoted Earth to just another planet.
It contradicted established scientific understanding.
The three correct answers are:
1. It demoted Earth to just another planet.
2. It contradicted religious doctrine of the time.
3. It contradicted established scientific understanding.
The Copernican model of the solar system, proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th century, was indeed a controversial proposition for several reasons. Here are three correct answers that explain why:
1. It demoted Earth to just another planet: The Copernican model challenged the prevailing geocentric model, which placed Earth at the center of the universe. Instead, it proposed that the Sun, not Earth, was the center of the solar system, with the planets, including Earth, orbiting around it. This shift in perspective unsettled the traditional view of Earth's importance and our place in the universe.
2. It contradicted religious doctrine of the time: The geocentric model was widely supported by religious institutions, as it aligned with their interpretation of scripture. The Copernican model, on the other hand, contradicted the notion of Earth's special status and challenged the religious belief system that had been ingrained for centuries. This conflict between scientific and religious views caused considerable controversy.
3. It contradicted established scientific understanding: The Copernican model directly contradicted the established scientific understanding of the time. Astronomers and scientists had long accepted the geocentric model, based on Aristotle's teachings. Copernicus's heliocentric model not only challenged this accepted knowledge but also required a significant shift in thinking about the nature and structure of the universe. This clash between the conventional wisdom and the new ideas added to the controversy surrounding the Copernican model.
To summarize, the Copernican model's controversial nature can be attributed to its challenge to religious doctrine, contradiction of established scientific understanding, and the demotion of Earth from its central position.