The Scientific Revolution
The Scientific Revolution was a period during the 16th and 17th centuries where many new ideas and inventions were developed. These ideas are widely supported now, but back then, ideas that differed from the church and the social norms were criticized. During the Scientific Revolution, the religious, social and political factors both improved and interfered with the work of many scientists and theologians.
During the Scientific Revolution, the religious factors interfered with the work of many scientists because it usually goes against the church’s ideas. For example, in Document 2, John Calvin believed that science was only useful if it was used to demonstrate God’s wisdom. The people back then thought that God was held higher than anyone else, so the thought that science could be considered higher than God was radical to them. In Document 3, Giovanni Ciampoli, a monk believed that Galileo’s theories in astrology but told him to take them down because he wasn’t a clergyman; therefore, nobody would listen to him. This proves how scientific ideas were interfered with because Giovanni, being a monk himself, is most likely effective in speaking for other monks. If not for their devotion to God, many people would’ve probably agreed with scientists. Like, for example, in Document 1, in a letter to the Pope, Copernicus wrote that he’s dedicated to his study of God because he is the most eminent virtue. Copernicus being both an astrologist and priest, this shows how he chose religion over science, which interferes with the spread of science.
During the Scientific Revolution, the social factors interfered with the work of many scientists because it went against society’s standard. For example, in Document 6, Holden Oldenbury said how if education were spread to everyone, it would make society a better place. This proves how the social factors interfered because if schooling was available to more than just the rich and white men, more ideas could have spread. This point is made again in Document 6 with Margaret Cavendish, an English natural philosopher who’s angry about how women aren’t able to go to school and educate themselves like men are allowed to do. These kind of divisions between gender and class definitely decreased the amount of support the scientists were given for their ideas. Even if the women wanted to support science, doing this would ruin the social normal. Lastly, in Document 3, Giovanni Campoli says how nobody would believe him if he published his ideas. This would explain why it hasn’t been spread because nobody would understand it because it’s not in their faith.
During the Scientific Revolution, political factors improved the work of many scientists because it gave political leaders more power. For example, in Document 10, it shows Louis XIV supporting science while visiting the French Royal Academy. This improved science because now that Louis had access to all these new inventions, it means that the other people on his land would also be able to use the designs, and be able to spread science around. Louis XIV’s finance minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, also believed the same as Louis. In Document 11, he says how he wants science to flourish because it would help France became the most powerful country in Europe. This means that they want to back science up more. Lastly, in Document 7, Hobbes says how people supported Euclid’s ideas because it didn’t affect their political views. Still, with religion, their belief is questioned. This demonstrates how political factors don’t mix in with other factors, so it’s easier to support.
In conclusion, during the Scientific Revolution, the religious, social and political factors both improved and interfered with the work of many scientists and theologians. Even though both religious and social factors both ended up interfering with scientists work, the political factors helped improve and support the work of scientists.