The discoveries and innovation during the Scientific Revolution played a very important role which proved very beneficial in the early stages of the Enlightenment. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the educated classes of Europe followed a strict religious foundation. Europeans would soon change their worldview to one that was essentially secular and scientific. The development of scientific knowledge was the main cause of this intellectual change. Most would say that the impetus that ignited the scientific revolution began with the Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle. He created the geocentric theory; “which stated that the Earth was the center of the universe and that the rest of the universe revolved around the Earth (which was stationary)” (Fresno Unified). “Aristotle also said that the planets around Earth were moved by “gods”” (Wikipedia). The Church agreed with this theory and did not reject it. This idea remained uncontested until the 17th century. Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus was at the forefront of scientific discoveries. He questioned Aristotle's theory, himself stating that he believed the planets revolved around the sun. His ideas would mark the start of the scientific revolution. It has ingrained doubt in Christianity and the Church, and people are beginning to question the universe around them. Although Copernicus' theory was not entirely correct, it provided a solid foundation for future scientists, such as Galileo who developed the Copernicus hypothesis and built the telescope. Citizens across Europe soon begin to hear about Copernicus' newly discovered scientific approach. This led to an explosion of ideas and new discoveries among the most educated and scientists. Tyc...... middle of paper ......t because they were born lower class. The Age of Enlightenment would forever change the way people looked at the world. Works Cited Puchner, Martin. The Norton Anthology of World Literature: Vol: D. New York: WW Norton, 2012. Print. “Aristotle. » Wikipedia. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, nd Web. October 9, 2013. “Science in the Age of Enlightenment.” » Wikipedia. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, nd Web. October 9, 2013. “The scientific revolution and the Enlightenment. » Fresno Unified. Np, nd Web. October 9, 2013 “The Lights. » Union County College Faculty Website. Dr. EK Hawthorne, September 19, 2013. Web. October 9, 2013. “John Locke.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, and Web. October 9, 2013. Cherubin, Rose. “The scientific revolution of the 17th century”. The scientific revolution of the 17th century. Np, and Web. October 9. 2013.