Which theory posited that Earth was the center of the universe during the Renaissance?

Prepare for the GACE History Test with multiple choice questions, flashcards, and study tips. Each question offers hints and explanations. Achieve success in your exam!

During the Renaissance, the predominant theory regarding the structure of the universe was Geocentrism. This theory asserted that the Earth is at the center of the universe, and that all celestial bodies, including the sun, moon, and stars, revolve around it. This concept was largely derived from ancient Greek philosophies, particularly those of Aristotle and Ptolemy, and it was widely accepted until the heliocentric model proposed by Copernicus gained traction.

Geocentrism aligns with the observation that the sun and stars appear to move across the sky from an Earth-based perspective. This model was supported for many years by the prevailing religious and philosophical beliefs, which placed humanity and the Earth at the center of creation. The geocentric view dominated until the shift brought about by the emergence of the heliocentric model, where the sun is positioned at the center of the solar system, radically altering humanity’s understanding of its place in the universe.

The other options listed represent different concepts entirely: Heliocentrism is the model that places the sun at the center, Modernism pertains to artistic and cultural movements that arose later, and Empiricism is a philosophical theory emphasizing knowledge derived from sensory experience. These do not pertain to the belief

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