heliocentric theory

the cosmological theory that the sun is the center of the solar system and that the earth and other heavenly bodies orbit around it. The theory, which originated in ancient Greece, was revived by Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (1475–1543) and elaborated by Italian physicist and astronomer Galileo Galilei (1564–1642). It was controversial in the 16th and 17th centuries because it opposed the traditional doctrine of the Catholic Church that the earth was stationary at the center of the universe (see geocentric theory). Also called Copernican theory.

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Psychology term of the day

November 17th 2024

field theory

1. in psychology, a systematic approach describing behavior in terms of patterns of dynamic interrelationships between individuals and the psychological, social, and physical situation in which they exist. This situation is known as the field space or life space, and the dynamic interactions are conceived as forces with positive or negative valences. [proposed by Kurt Lewin]

2. in physics, the theory that forces acting at a distance between bodies not in contact do so by means of a field of force that fills the space between them. See action at a distance.