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The Copernican Principle falsely attributes to [[Copernicus]] a view that the earth has no special place in the universe. This idea is the foundation of the [[mediocrity principle]], which says that there is nothing special about Man or the earth. According to some, this principle has an almost Biblical significance. For example, Encyclopedia Britannica says:

The Copernican Principle falsely attributes to [[Copernicus]] a view that the earth has no special place in the universe. This idea is the foundation of the [[mediocrity principle]], which says that there is nothing special about Man or the earth. It has been called "one of the most useful and widely held tenants in physics."<ref>http://www.physorg.com/news141617439.html</ref> According to some, this principle has an almost Biblical significance. For example, Encyclopedia Britannica says:

:''The implications of Copernicus' work can not be exaggerated. His views challenged the literal interpretation of Scripture, the philosophical and metaphysical foundations of moral theory, and even common sense itself. The result was a massive opposition to his reported ideas. It was the slow, sure acceptance of the heliocentric theory by natural philosophers that ultimately quieted the general clamor, however the name of Copernicus is still a battle cry against the establishment in religion, philosophy and science. In later years with Freud, man lost his Godlike mind; with Darwin his exalted place among the creatures of the Earth; with Copernicus man had lost his privileged position in the Universe.''<ref>http://abyss.uoregon.edu/~js/glossary/copernican_principle.html</ref>

:''The implications of Copernicus' work can not be exaggerated. His views challenged the literal interpretation of Scripture, the philosophical and metaphysical foundations of moral theory, and even common sense itself. The result was a massive opposition to his reported ideas. It was the slow, sure acceptance of the heliocentric theory by natural philosophers that ultimately quieted the general clamor, however the name of Copernicus is still a battle cry against the establishment in religion, philosophy and science. In later years with Freud, man lost his Godlike mind; with Darwin his exalted place among the creatures of the Earth; with Copernicus man had lost his privileged position in the Universe.''<ref>http://abyss.uoregon.edu/~js/glossary/copernican_principle.html</ref>