After you've read each chapter, you should be able to do the following:

1. Describe the broad historical preconditions and environment leading to Copernicus's theoretical explorations;
2. Assess the impact of the new astronomy on the European intellectual tradition;
3. Explain the development of scientific methods, disciplines, and standards;
4. Describe the features of the new "mechanistic" world view;
5. Discuss how religious, political, and social conditions shaped the work of scientists;
6. Analyze the effects of science on the social and philosophical order.