What is considered the rough beginning date for the Scientific Revolution?

The rough beginning date for the Scientific Revolution is typically identified around 1550. This period marks the transition from medieval scientific thought, characterized by reliance on classical authorities such as Aristotle and Ptolemy, to a more empirical approach to scientific inquiry. Key figures such as Copernicus, who proposed the heliocentric model of the solar system, began to publish their work around this time, leading to significant shifts in understanding the natural world.

The year 1550 is often associated with this pivotal moment because it reflects a time when new ideas began to challenge established doctrines. The Scientific Revolution continued to develop throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, influencing future scientific thought and methodology. Understanding this context helps clarify why 1550 is recognized as a significant starting point for the changes that would characterize the Scientific Revolution.