Scientific Revolution & Enlightenment

Characteristics of the Scientific Revolution

Reason and rationality, observation, self-discovery, and breaking away from absolutism and the past.

Origin of the Scientific Revolution

Originated during the Renaissance Era, marking an intellectual and cultural rebirth leading to new ideas about human rights, governance, and knowledge.

Role of the Printing Press

Increased literacy and allowed for the easy dissemination of ideas.

Protestant Reformation

Challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and encouraged individual interpretation of the Bible.

Francis Bacon

Founder of the Scientific Method, emphasized experimentation and viewed nature as God's second book.

Galileo

Improved the telescope, discovered many stars, and faced trial for his scientific views.

Newton's Universal Laws of Gravitation

Established the principles of classical mechanics and laid the groundwork for modern physics.

Characteristics of the Enlightenment

Emphasized reason, questioning faith in religion, faith in science, progress, and order in the universe.

Coffee Houses

Venues for intellectual exchange and debate among men, excluding women except those employed there.

Adam Smith

Author of The Wealth of Nations, applied Newtonian principles to economics, advocating for free markets governed by supply and demand.

John Locke

Philosopher advocating for reason, tolerance, and government by the consent of the governed.

Voltaire

Satirist whose work encouraged societal questioning and reform.

Jean Jacques Rousseau

Author of The Social Contract, promoted the will of the people and government accountability.

Immanuel Kant

Proponent of individual freedom, reason, and the principle of 'Sapere aude!' - 'Have courage to use your own reason.'