On what basis did Copernicus argue that his heliocentric theory should replace Ptolemy’s geocentric theory?
Nicolaus Copernicus formulated the heliocentric model of universe. In this model, earth, not the sun revolves in the universe. According to this system, sun is at the center of the solar system. Because of the loss of scientific works of the Hellenistic Era, heliocentric model attracted only little attention.
According to heliocentric theory, the earth revolves around sun, which is at the universe’s center. This theory was contradiction to the biblical perspective, which says that earth is at the center of the universe. This theory got little attention and support. According to Hermetic tradition, Sun is divine and at the center of the universe. Hermetics accepted Copernicus’s heliocentric theory not because of the scientific reason but due to the divine status given by the ancients.
The astrological predictions made by this theory were not accurate comparing to the geocentric theory. Copernicus argues that his heliocentric theory should replace Ptolemy’s geocentric theory for the following reasons:
i. Geocentric model has some concerns related to the path of sun and other celestial objects moving around the earth.
ii. It did not follow the Pythagorean-Platonic view, which says that the universe operated according to the mathematical principles.
iii. Heliocentric theory was accepted only for the reason that it presented the model in a simpler and more harmonious mathematical order.