Final answer:
The Scientific Revolution changed science by enforcing the requirement of empirical evidence and the use of the scientific method for testing ideas, marking a departure from reliance on philosophical authority and 'common sense'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Impact of the Scientific Revolution
The Scientific Revolution fundamentally changed the way ideas and theories were proven in the realm of science. Prior to this period, authority, tradition, and what was considered 'common sense' were often regarded as sufficient proof for a scientific idea. However, during the Scientific Revolution, a new emphasis was placed on empirical evidence and the use of the scientific method to test hypotheses and theories.
Option b) Scientists required proof before accepting theories as facts is the correct answer to the question. This was a significant departure from the methodologies of early philosophers who, while foundational in developing systems of logic, did not emphasize experimentation and empirical observation as they later came to be understood.
The principles of the Scientific Revolution promoted the idea that the universe operated according to universal and rational laws. These ideals became more pronounced during the Enlightenment, further cementing the importance of empirical observation and systematic experimentation as standardized practices for scientific inquiry.
Ultimately, the scientific thought process evolved to include making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments, and then using those experiments to support, refute, or revise those hypotheses in a continuous cycle of inquiry. This process, known as the scientific method, is characterized by its objective and empirical approach, which allows for the accumulation and refinement of knowledge over time.