Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution

Renaissance (1300s-1500s)

• Rediscovery of Greek and Roman knowledge.
• Foundations for intellectual advancements in Europe.

Scientific Revolution (1543-1687)

Key Publication

• 1543: Nicolas Copernicus publishes On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres.
  • Proposed heliocentric theory (Earth revolves around the Sun).
  • Challenged centuries-old geocentric views.
  • Marked the beginning of the Scientific Revolution.

Capstone of the Scientific Revolution

• 1687: Isaac Newton publishes Principia.
  • Described laws of the universe with simple principles and mathematics.
  • Dominated scientific thought for over 200 years until Einstein's theories of relativity.
  • Newton's Laws are foundational in modern physics and engineering.

Implications and Questions

• Why did these advancements occur during this period?
• Relation to the Renaissance and European political landscape.
• Gave humanity new perspectives and powers to question assumptions.

Enlightenment

Key Developments (Late 1600s - Early 1700s)

• Philosophical movement tied to the Scientific Revolution.
• Application of deductive reasoning to human and societal questions.

Example of Enlightenment Thinking

• 1689: John Locke's Second Treatise concerning Civil Government.
  • Reason as the natural law governing human action.
  • Advocated for equality and independence; preservation of life, health, liberty, and possessions.
  • Challenged notions of divine right of kings, slavery, and authoritarian rule.

Key Questions Posed

• What rights do humans have?
• Who is entitled to these rights?
• What duties and obligations do humans have towards each other?
• What is the role of government and who has the right to rule?

Influence of Enlightenment Ideas

• Inspired revolutions in the late 1700s - early 1800s (e.g., American, French, Latin American Revolutions).
• Cited in the United States Declaration of Independence and other revolutionary documents.

Relationship to Industrial Revolution

• Enhanced production capabilities and societal power.
• Spawned new ethical and moral questions, especially around the use of power and resources.
• Led to age of Imperialism and greater control over global populations.

Reflection and Further Questions

• Enlightenment’s impact versus its fulfillment in history.
• Paradox of enlightenment ideals during the age of Imperialism.
• Consideration of World War I and II as possible transitions to a more enlightened global society.
• Current state of enlightenment ideals and human rights.
• Future discussion on human rights post-WWI.