Cosmological Evolution: From Geocentric to Mechanical Universe

Geocentrism: Organic & Hierarchical Universe

The geocentric model conceived of an *organic* and *hierarchical* universe, often described as a large body with separate parts. The concept of space was *closed* and *finite*, with Earth at its center.

Aristotle believed the universe was divided into two levels:

• Supralunar Orbit: Beyond the Moon, considered perfect and unchanging.
• Sublunar Orbit: Below the Moon, imperfect and subject to change.

Ptolemy adopted Aristotelian geocentrism, attributing *epicycles* and *deferents* to planetary orbits to explain their apparent displacement.

From a theological perspective, this dynamic universe posited that everything that moves is moved by another object. Hierarchically and orderly, everything is attracted by a *motionless prime mover*. This universe was endowed with a purpose. Theocentricism added the concept of creation, forming a theological and closed image, equating to the Aristotelian prime mover. The supralunar orb was considered *heaven*. Thus, a God-centered interpretation of the world and the supernatural was formed.

Renaissance & The Scientific Revolution

The Renaissance saw a revision of the Aristotelian system, initiating a profound shift in perspective characterized by:

• Heliocentrism
• The **discovery of mathematics** as a key to understanding the universe
• The emergence of a **new method of knowledge**
• An attitude of **mastery over nature**

Copernicus questioned geocentrism and the cosmological division of space. The Sun was *situated* at the center of the universe, which he conceived as a *homogeneous world*, and Earth was no longer its center.

Galileo revolutionized Aristotelian physics, believing that the universe is written in the language of mathematics. He observed the world, contemplating its qualities, and through new science, sought to master it. He discovered the *resolutive-compositive method*, also known as the *hypothetico-deductive method*.

Kepler, Newton & The Mechanical Universe

Kepler extended the laws of motion to the entire celestial order, building upon Galileo's work. This enabled him to conceive the universe as a *machine*. However, it was Newton who solidified this new image of the world forever.

Newton's universe was conceived as a space made up of *homogeneous masses* that *attract each other* independently due to gravity. This *cosmos* is subject to *universal gravitation*. The universe was now conceived as a *clockwork mechanism*, where space and time are *absolute references* for all movement. This universe is *finite*, *dimensional*, *homogeneous*, and governed by *strict determinism*.

This *mechanistic* view persisted until the 19th century, when it entered into crisis with the discovery of *electromagnetism* and the emergence of new *genetic* and *evolutionary theories*. The great changes of the 20th century are due, in large part, to mathematics.