Description
please respond to Chloe with 140. words
Chloe
Dr Tomasz Stanek
History 104
9 November 2023
Discussion of Week 3
The period of Enlightenment was a transformative era in European intellectual history, laying the groundwork for huge advancements in various fields.
One key aspect connecting this through history is the emphasis on challenging traditional beliefs and relying on factual evidence. The thinkers of the Enlightenment tried to question established figures in the world, whether it be political, religious, or philosophical. They embraced reason as a means of understanding the world and advocated for the use of scientific methods to uncover truths.
The Scientific Revolution in Europe played a huge role in paving the way for the discoveries of the Enlightenment. Religious men such as Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton made groundbreaking advancements in astronomy, physics, and other scientific fields. Their discoveries challenged beliefs and showcased the power of observation, experimentation, and logic in understanding the natural world.
Moreover, the scientific revolution inspired the intellectual climate of the Enlightenment. It encouraged people to question current thinking, and seek other explanations for things going on. This new mindset helped prioritize hard found evidence and rejected blind faith by use of investigation. As a result, it helped to create an atmosphere of curiosity that encouraged people to engage in new ideas and creativity, instead of accepting traditional beliefs. “The sudden emergence of new information during the Scientific Revolution called into question religious beliefs, moral principles, and the traditional scheme of nature.” (Brush Scientific Revolution)
However, not all the discoveries of the Enlightenment were only attributed to the scientific revolution. While scientific progress definitely contributed significantly, a lot of other factors also played importance. For instance, the rise of the printing press and the spread of knowledge through books created the spreading of ideas and intellectual thought. This wide spread of information created intellectuals to challenge established rules and create discourse.
In conclusion, the Enlightenment marked a significant turning point in intellectual history, where reason and evidence became necessary. While the discoveries of the scientific revolution played a crucial role in shaping this era, other factors like the spread of knowledge and the rise of new philosophical ideas also contributed. The Enlightenment’s impact went beyond science, and led to new ideas spreading all across Europe and the later world.
Works Cited
Roos, Dave. “7 Ways the Printing Press Changed the World.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 28 Aug. 2019, www.history.com/news/printing-press-renaissance.
“The Intellectual Climate < the Role of Philosophy and Literature in Building up the National Identity of the Early 19th Century United States - Keijo Virtanen < 1801-1900 < Essays < American History from Revolution to Reconstruction and Beyond.” Www.let.rug.nl, www.let.rug.nl/usa/essays/1801-1900/the-role-of-philosophy-and-literature/the-intellectual-climate.php. Accessed 10 Nov. 2023. “1.15 Early Astronomers- Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, and Newton.” Geosciences LibreTexts, 24 Jan. 2020, geo.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Oceanography/Oceanography_101_(Miracosta)/01%3A_Introduction_to_O-ceanography/1.15%3A_Early_Astronomers-_Copernicus_Galileo_Ke-pler_and_Newton.
