Scientific, Philosophical, and Political Developments

The Renaissance

The Reformation

The Enlightenment

The Counter-Reformation

Galileo Galilei

Isaac Newton

Nicolaus Copernicus

Johannes Kepler

By formulating the laws of motion.

By providing observational evidence through the telescope that supported the heliocentric model.

By developing the mathematical equations that explained elliptical orbits.

By advocating for freedom of speech and religious toleration.

It reinforced traditional geocentric theories.

It had no significant impact on religious beliefs.

It led to a complete rejection of religion by scientists.

It challenged traditional views by introducing empirical evidence and mathematical reasoning.

Descartes emphasized empiricism, while Bacon focused on deductive reasoning.

Descartes advocated for knowledge through observation, while Bacon championed rational deduction.

Descartes used deductive reasoning, while Bacon promoted empiricism.

Descartes and Bacon both rejected the importance of observation in scientific inquiry.

It emphasized reliance on ancient authorities and classical texts.

It promoted the acceptance of knowledge based solely on religious doctrine.

It introduced systematic observation, experimentation, and mathematical reasoning as means to gain knowledge.

It discouraged the sharing of scientific findings among researchers.

Voltaire

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

John Locke

Denis Diderot

Locke advocated for absolute monarchy, while Rousseau supported divine right.

Locke emphasized natural rights and limited government, while Rousseau focused on the general will and popular sovereignty.

Locke believed in the inherent goodness of humanity, while Rousseau argued for the necessity of strict social control.

Locke and Rousseau both rejected the concept of a social contract.

By reinforcing the legitimacy of absolute monarchy.

By providing a philosophical justification for maintaining the existing social order.

By promoting the divine right of kings.

By providing a basis for ideas such as natural rights, popular sovereignty, and the social contract, which fueled revolutionary movements.

Monarchs rejected Enlightenment ideas in favor of maintaining traditional authority.

Some monarchs adopted Enlightenment ideas to strengthen their rule, leading to enlightened absolutism.

Enlightenment ideas had no impact on European monarchs.

Monarchs were forced to abdicate their thrones due to Enlightenment-inspired revolutions.