The Enlightenment

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the scientific revolution brought about a slow change in societies’ thinking regarding math, earth science, physics, and astronomy. Early on, new ideas about our universe were not widely accepted, especially from the church. This soon changed due to the hard work and perseverance of several scientists and philosophers who unbeknownst to them brought about an era known as the Enlightenment.

The Enlightenment, which eased into existence in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries created a new way of thinking based on rationality. Scholars and intellects were free to debate and have informed discussions about such things as science, religion, and philosophy without fear of censorship from authorities try as they might. This is in contrast to the previous structure of society that prevailed in centuries past where fear of offending the church or government meant persecution.

The Enlightenment may have happened later in history or perhaps not at all if not for early notable scientists such as Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo, and Newton. Nicolaus Copernicus theorized that the Earth moved around the sun instead of the held belief that the earth was the center of the known universe. This was not necessarily a new suggestion, but Copernicus had the right tools available to give new proof that allowed for serious debate. His proof was loosely based on what we now know as retrograde motion which can be measured by observing the motion of other planetary bodies in relation to the earth.

Later after Copernicus came Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei, who confirmed some of Copernicus’ observations. Kepler provided concise evidence of planetary motion regarding their path around the s...

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...eel towards the end of the eighteenth century. Artists felt more compelled to step outside of the structure that once held most forms of art to different standards. This new style was known as the Romantic era which later portrayed the emotions of the Revolutionary war and quite possibly the wavering regard of the Enlightenment.

The Enlightenment can be viewed as a growing spurt in European history or a coming of age. It is clear that the scientific revolution had an influence on the role of the Enlightenment. Science played a major part in brining about change in society’s previous held beliefs and forced the hand of government’s place in society towards the end of the eighteenth century. The scientific revolution has forever changed us, and its impacts during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries were no less astounding then, then they are still today.