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Mike Does History: Personal & Scholastic Writings

Scientific Revolution vs. The Enlightenment

2/2/2017

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I believe that the relationship between the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment was close. In fact, I would say that the Scientific Revolution was a precursor to the Enlightenment. Although very similar, there was one big difference between the two. The Scientific Revolution was more of a search for knowledge and never really challenged the authority of the Church, while the Enlightenment acted on these new scientific principles, directly challenging the Church.
The Scientific Revolution happened in the 17th century and it was a new way of thinking that had never happened before. The Church had supreme control over Europe before and during this time. They even supported it in the beginning, until it started to drastically conflict with their authority. However, this didn't become a major issue until the 18th century.
The 18th century brought on the Enlightenment and more vocal, dissenting views from those still held by the Church. Beginning sometime around the start of the French Revolution, the people were tired of the corruption and the aging beliefs promoted by the Vatican and they literally fought back. With the scientific method nearly a century old, the Church could no longer suppress conflicting views and finally the masses decided they would no longer be subjugated.
I view both the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment as merely the steps of the scientific method themselves. The Scientific Revolution observed, questioned and hypothesized on ideas and the Enlightenment went on to test them and draw conclusions. In the end, I believe that both movements were really just one change of mind in Europe that went on to influence the world, even today.

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