Mechanistic and Contemporary Views of the Universe

Mechanistic View of the Universe

Mechanistic thought emerged during the transition from the medieval model, a time marked by a shift from theocentrism (God as the center of everything) to anthropocentrism (man as the center of everything).

The New Vision of the Universe

Initially, the universe was believed to be orderly and stable, adhering to the geocentric model (Earth at the center of the universe). However, this was replaced by the heliocentric model (the Sun at the center), with Earth and other planets revolving around it. The universe was no longer seen as finite, as it was with Aristotle, but infinite and homogeneous, governed by mathematical laws explaining the behavior of both celestial and terrestrial bodies. This is known as the mechanistic model.

Features of Mechanicism

1. Quantitative Emphasis: Natural phenomena are explained not by their qualities, but by measurable and quantifiable aspects (e.g., speed, weight).
2. Mathematical Foundation: Mathematics serves as the primary tool, as it best expresses the quantifiable nature of the universe.
3. Focus on Efficient Cause: Science focuses on how things are set in motion, rather than the ultimate cause (e.g., "What moves the stars?").
4. Experimental Nature: Emphasis is placed on reproducing natural phenomena in a laboratory setting.
5. Reliance on Technology and Invention: New techniques and instruments are crucial for measuring phenomena and conducting experiments.

Science

There have been many fundamental changes in how we observe and interpret the universe; it is possible to speak of a scientific revolution. Physical science is now capable of interpreting and representing a reunion of knowledge and science.

Contemporary Image of the Universe

Before modern science, the universe was considered finite, complete, and unchanging. The most widely accepted theory by current scientists is the Big Bang theory. Furthermore, nature is not solely regular and cyclical; irreversible phenomena occur. Because of this, the scientific explanation of reality is indeterministic.

Chance plays a significant role in reality. It is impossible to say with certainty that something will happen, only that it is likely to happen. Consequences of this include:

• Relative Truth: There is no absolute, immobile truth because everything is constantly changing.
• Non-Homogeneous Space: There are differences between the subatomic world and the world of planets; there is no single universal law that can explain everything.

Science is subject to constraints.