Scientific Rev and Enlightenment (1)

Scientific Revolution (SR)

• Definition: A break with traditional thought during the 16th and 17th centuries, marking the beginning of Europeans thinking critically about the physical world.

• Participants: Primarily wealthy, educated, white men living in urban areas.

• Beginnings: Shift from acquiring information from religious and political leaders to scientific inquiry.

• Key Conflict: Geocentric model (Church: Earth as the center) vs. Heliocentric model (Science: Sun as the center).

• Correction: Both models were incorrect; the Sun is the center of the solar system.

Causes of the Scientific Revolution

Renaissance (1300-1500)

• Humanism: Encouraged personal reasoning and critical thinking for oneself.

• Education: Rise of universities led to an educated elite that questioned Church doctrines.

Medieval Universities

• Profile: Educated wealthy, aristocratic men; increase in university establishment.

• Impact: Growing education prompted questioning of the Church's ideas.

Commercial and Geographic Expansion

• Discovery of the Americas: Opened Europeans to new civilizations and ideas, proving traditional leaders didn't possess all knowledge.

Protestant Reformation

• Outcome: Decline in Catholic Church's authority allowed for expansion of scientific ideas without fear of persecution, especially in Protestant areas.

Some Scientists of the Scientific Revolution

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543)

• Role: First European to advocate for a heliocentric model; studied the classics.

• Publication: Published findings only on his deathbed due to fear of persecution by the Church.

Tycho Brahe (1546-1601)

• Background: Swedish astronomer; studied the Heliocentric model and created his own model.

• Contribution: Laid groundwork for the scientific method; meticulously charted planetary movements.

Johann Kepler (1571-1630)

• Contribution: Developed the Three Laws of Planetary Motion.

• Significance: Established mathematical proofs for astronomical theories, advancing modern physics.

Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)

• Background: Mathematician and physicist, advocate of heliocentrism.

• Discoveries: Defined laws of motion and popularized telescope use.

• Conflict: Faced persecution from the Church; placed under house arrest for heretical views.

Isaac Newton (1642-1727)

• Role: Mathematician and physicist; known for formulating the law of gravity.

• Impact: Established the scientific method and universal laws governing the universe.

• Legacy: Knighted and influenced theological discussions about God's omnipotence.

Results of the Scientific Revolution

• Scientific Method: Introduction of reason-based processes to validate ideas.

• Decline of Church Authority: Critical questioning of traditional religious beliefs but not a move towards atheism.

• The Enlightenment: Expansion of scientific methods to societal governance, promoting rational thought across various societal aspects.

The Enlightenment

• Time Frame: Spanned mostly the 1700s, building off the Scientific Revolution’s findings.

• Core Idea: Application of science and rationality to government, society, and culture.

• Public Discussions: Increased dialogue around ideas facilitated dissemination of Enlightenment concepts.

Why France?

• Central Location: France provided cultural hubs for the sharing of Enlightenment ideas (e.g., salons).

• Salons: Aristocratic gatherings, typically led by women, promoting discussion on current issues and ideas.

• Coffee Shops: Urban centers for merchants to discuss literature and ideas, increasing public engagement.

Some Enlightenment Thinkers and Their Ideas

Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)

• Views: Advocated for absolute monarchy; highlighted chaos in democracy.

• Significance: Set the stage for discussion surrounding government forms and philosophies.

John Locke (1632-1704)

• Key Principles: Government derives from the people's will; the idea of tabula rasa (blank slate).

• Impact: Influenced revolutionary ideas regarding government power during American and French Revolutions.

Charles de Montesquieu (1689-1755)

• Thesis: Different forms of government suitable for different societies; proposed separation of powers.

• Influence: His ideas were foundational to the construction of the U.S. Constitution.

Voltaire (1694-1778)

• Background: Prolific writer advocating for separation of Church and state.

• Impact: Critique of monarchic and religious institutions; supported parliamentary governance.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)

• Argument: Critiqued unnatural institutions and advocated a view of women in society.

• Impact: His views contributed to the repression of women in the societal sphere by the century's end.

Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797)

• Contributions: Argued for women's education and equal status to men.

• Impact: Countered Rousseau's views on women's roles in society,

Results of the Enlightenment

• Publications: Increased output of literature on philosophy and governance.

• Literacy Rise: Growth in literacy rates across social classes.

• American and French Revolutions: Significant influences of Enlightenment ideas in these major historical events.