2 ms·
Copernican theory made worse predictions than Ptolemaic theory, but it was simpler. Both explained the same facts. The acceptance of heliocentricity was an aes
by samatman 5y ago
Copernican theory made worse predictions than Ptolemaic theory, but it was simpler. Both explained the same facts.
The acceptance of heliocentricity was an aesthetic judgement, one which favored simplicity, and predated the work on elliptical orbits which gave the Copernican theory, thusly modified, equivalent predictive power.
- enkid 5y agoThis is not true. Copernican theory allowed the existences of moons around other planets and explained the phases of Venus when seen through a telescope. The Copernican model allowed things that the Aristotlean model did not and those things exist in the universe. The Aesthetics of having an Earth centered Universe prevented these truths from being quickly and easily accepted.