Stuff You Should Know Things We Believed Before the Scientific Method
Nov 7, 2023
Explore historical misconceptions and beliefs before the scientific method, such as ancient beliefs, celestial orbits, and atomic theory. Learn about the myth of spontaneous generation and the transition to microbiology. Dive into ancient beliefs on life's origins and even get a lesson on using 'a' and 'an' correctly. Plus, a fun segment on pro wrestling and listener requests!
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Limits of Pre-Scientific Thinking
- Before the scientific method, people used observations and theories but rarely tested their ideas systematically.
- This led to many long-held but incorrect beliefs persisting for thousands of years.
Four Humors Explained
- The four humors theory linked bodily fluids to health and temperament for centuries.
- Treatments aimed to restore balance by opposing the humor's qualities like hot, cold, wet, or dry.
Geocentrism and Celestial Shells
- Ancient astronomers believed Earth was the universe's center with perfect circular celestial motions.
- They devised complex shell models to explain the sky despite fundamental inaccuracies.