geocentricism
Earth at center
Geocentricism is the belief that Earth sits at the center of the universe, with the sun, moon, planets, and stars revolving around it.
This was the dominant cosmological model from ancient times through the Renaissance, until displaced by heliocentrism—the understanding that Earth orbits the sun.
The term now appears mainly in historical discussions or when describing those who reject modern astronomy.
Greco-Egyptian astronomer, geographer
- epicyclesOrbits within orbits
- deferentShowing humble respect
- retrogradeMoving in reverse direction
- celestial spheresAncient cosmos's rotating layers
firmament · heavens · fixed stars · planetary motion · Aristotelian · spheres · zodiac · orbs
Early study of celestial bodies
- AristotleGreek founder of formal logic
- scholasticismRigorous dialectical learning method
- DanteItalian epic poet
- AquinasScholastic philosopher-theologian surname
Belief prioritizing human significance
- divine orderGod's arrangement of existence
- creationMaking something exist
- providenceDivine protective care
- centralityCore significance or position
worldview · paradigm · scientific revolution · paradigm shift
Ptolemy
Greco-Egyptian astronomer, geographer
- epicyclesOrbits within orbits
- deferentShowing humble respect
- retrogradeMoving in reverse direction
celestial spheres · firmament · heavens · fixed stars · planetary motion · Aristotelian · spheres · zodiac · orbs
ancient astronomy
Early study of celestial bodies
- AristotleGreek founder of formal logic
- scholasticismRigorous dialectical learning method
- DanteItalian epic poet
anthropocentrism
Belief prioritizing human significance
- divine orderGod's arrangement of existence
- creationMaking something exist
- providenceDivine protective care
centrality · worldview · paradigm · scientific revolution · paradigm shift