7. Chapter 7 Cultural Transformations (1450-1750)

Neo-Confucianism

Philosophical synthesis of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism prominent in Ming and Qing dynasties. Emphasized introspection and contemplation.

Wang Yangming

Influential Chinese thinker (1472-1529) challenging traditional Confucian elitism. Argued for achieving virtuous life through introspection.

Kaozheng Movement

Chinese cultural movement emphasizing evidence-based research and critical analysis, particularly applied to historical documents during the Qing era.

The Dream of the Red Chamber

Famous 18th-century Chinese novel by Cao Xueqin, depicting elite family life and social connections.

Bhakti Movement

Devotional form of Hinduism emphasizing personal religious experiences, bridging Hindu and Islamic traditions. Challenged caste distinctions.

Mirabai

Bhakti poet (1498-1547) challenging caste restrictions, expressing devotion to Krishna.

Sikhism

Religious tradition founded by Guru Nanak (1469-1539) emphasizing equality and ending caste distinctions. (India)

Scientific Revolution

Intellectual and cultural transformation (mid 1500s to early 1700s) emphasizing rational inquiry and evidence-based knowledge.

Nicolaus Copernicus

Polish astronomer (1473-1543) proposing heliocentric theory (planets revolve around the Sun), challenging geocentric model.

Johannes Kepler

German mathematician (1571-1630) proving planets follow elliptical orbits, challenging circular motion belief.

Galileo Galilei

Italian scientist (1564-1642) making astronomical observations undermining traditional cosmology.

Isaac Newton

English physicist (1642-1727) formulating laws of motion and universal gravitation, revolutionizing understanding of the universe.

Enlightenment

18th-century intellectual movement promoting reason, skepticism, and scientific inquiry to transform society.

Voltaire

French writer (1694-1778) advocating religious toleration and criticizing religious intolerance.

Deism

Belief in an abstract, remote deity who created the world but does not intervene in natural law.

Pantheism

Belief that God and nature are identical.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Enlightenment philosopher (1712-1778) emphasizing immersion in nature and challenging traditional education.

Cultural Borrowing

Selective adoption of ideas and practices from other cultures, often accompanied by conflict.

Dutch Learning

Center of Western knowledge in Japan during the early 17th century, studying Western texts in various disciplines.

Ottoman Empire

Initially resistant to Western scientific influence, later embracing practical European developments in mapping and calendar reform.