Johannes Kepler is one of the brightest representatives of the Scientific Revolution of the 17th century. He was interested in many things, from physics and mathematics to music and astronomy. His name is associated with the discovery of the laws of planetary motion, which laid the foundation for the later work of Isaac Newton. Kepler is called a great scientist, but he was profoundly religious and faced a difficult choice – to pursue science or go into religion. He made his choice in favor of science, abandoning a religious career. He relied on the scientific method, and that is what led him to the discoveries he made.
Kepler lived at a time when science, superstition, religion, and philosophy were closely intertwined, and incredible theories appeared at their intersection. Being a scientist in those days could mean making scientific observations and horoscopes for the nobility. Initially, as a young man, Kepler planned to become a Protestant priest, even though he had been interested in astronomy and mathematics since childhood. He did not see contradictions in his passion for the movement of celestial bodies and studying at the theological faculty. However, having received the opportunity to become a lecturer in mathematics at the University of Graz, he changed his life plans and decided to enter the path of science. Kepler’s motivation for studying astronomy was associated with his special view of the structure of the Universe, which combined astronomical and theological ideas. His discovery of the laws of planetary motion confirmed Copernicus’s heliocentric system and made it possible to smooth out its inaccuracies (Encyclopædia Britannica, n.d.). Kepler used scientific methods such as long-term observations and calculations in his work. However, Kepler’s religiosity brought mystical features to his writings. For example, he believed in a harmonic universe and a fixed sun. However, despite all these features, the basis of his work was always the scientific method, which ensured the success of his research.
Kepler’s views on the universe’s structure may seem too metaphorical and philosophical, but he correctly calculated all the critical points. Thanks to his work, physics and astronomy began to develop in the form we study them now. The choice between the career of a Protestant priest and a scientist became fateful not only for Kepler himself but for the whole of science, especially for astronomy.
Reference
Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Astronomical work of Johannes Kepler. Encyclopædia Britannica. Web.