Heliocentric theory The theory, proposed by Copernicus, that the planets, including the earth, rotate around the sun.
Humanism A viewpoint that existed during the Renaissance. It emphasized four themes: individualism, a personal relationship with God, interest in classi- cal wisdom, and a negative attitude toward Aristotle’s philosophy.
Idols of the cave Bacon’s term for personal biases that result from one’s personal characteristics or experiences.
Idols of the marketplace Bacon’s term for error that results when one accepts the traditional meanings of the words used to describe things.
Idols of the theater Bacon’s term for the inhibition of objective inquiry that results when one accepts dogma, tradition, or authority.