Famous Pioneers of the Enlightenment

The breakthroughs that came out of the Scientific Revolution had a profound impact on the Enlightenment period. The Enlightenment movement would not have been possible if it weren’t for the brave men who dared to go against established ways of thinking. These men took risks and put themselves at the mercy of public scrutiny. They not only asked questions about the workings of our world but also devised new scientific methods that uncovered new truths about our very existence. Instead of relying on religious dogma and mystical practices, common during the 16th and 17th century to help answer questions, they developed their own hypothesis. They built upon the foundations of knowledge laid down by great thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, and other great classical thinkers. The Scientific Revolution produced thinkers who sought to prove or disclaim those old theories by relying on their new scientific methods. They asked thought provoking questions, questions that were often times controversial, and they refused to accept scripture as the sole source of truth. They tested their new theories by conducting methodical experiments employing highly complex mathematical formulas, new tools, and measurements. Their primary purpose was to define and explain the world in which they lived in by using methodical and calculated experiments. They believed this would help to uncover the truth. This very principle also put them in direct conflict with church authorities. The church was losing power and was no longer becoming the major focus of attention. These new thinkers challenged church authority and threatened the church’s role in society. These ideas toward uncovering truth continued to over into the Enlightenment movement.

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...ow everyone could be a critic of art. People were free to form their own opinions. Jacques realized this and instead concentrated on depicting emotion and patriotism in his art.

In conclusion, the efforts of the scientists during the Scientific Revolution helped pave the way for the Enlightenment movement by empowering man with a sense of confidence and trust in reason. Philisophes and others from different fields were able to apply these new scientific methods towards solving issues of social behavior. Religious dogma and absolute monarchy were seen as roadblocks to the freedom of thought and expression. As a result, religious tolerance flourished and new social, economic and educational reforms were put into place. There was a massive output of literature in all fields and places such as cafes and salons were set-up to facilitate discussion.