12. Ideas & the Human Experience Unit 1 WH3219 October 2016 Part 1

Section Overview The purpose of this outcome is to investigate how the development of new ideas led to new ways of thinking about the world and humans’ role in it. We will also consider the influence of ideas and how they can be manifested in human actions. Our main focus will be on the Scientific Revolution to help illustrate how a change in thinking can lead to new ways of living

Scientific revolution Here is the main focus for this section 1. Briefly explore the following factors that led to the Scientific Revolution, Renaissance Reformation Printing Press (review) Overseas Exploration 2. How the Scientific Revolution altered people’s perception of the world 3. The long-term consequences of the Scientific Revolution.

Scientific revolution The world we live in today is very much a product of science and the scientific method. People tend not to believe in things very strongly unless there is “proof” of its value. (a very modern phenomenon in the human experience). To set a context for the Scientific Revolution, lets briefly examine some notable characteristics of the Western European worldview in the late Middle Ages

Medieval Scientific Thought Until the mid-1500s, magic, mysticism, and ancient writings of Aristotle & Ptolemy formed the basis of scientific thought for Europeans Explanations of the natural world were tied to religious beliefs / traditions Geocentric theory: earth-centered view of the universe with heavenly bodies orbiting it

The “Old” Worldview Ptolemaic Universe Consisted of crystal spheres containing orbits of the sun, moon, stars, & planets Earth was at the center Beyond the spheres was heaven (God & Angels)

Medieval Scientific Thought

Medieval Scientific Thought Most Europeans believed that the earth was flat Culture was less diverse than today and was very localized. Few people received formal education; most could not read and write; tradition and the church were sources of knowledge.

Medieval Scientific Thought For Medieval Christians, Aristotle’s beliefs seemed to fit in with their beliefs. The Catholic Church’s view of the universe was geocentric, created by God to serve people. The church was very powerful and most people did not question its authority….most Europeans had a faith-based worldview Few European scholars challenged the scientific ideas of these ancient thinkers or church by carefully observing nature for themselves

A New World View Between the mid-1500s to late 1600s a revolution in science would occur to permanently changed how people viewed the physical world. This revolution was characterized by: (more on these later) - discoveries in astronomy - the appearance of the scientific method & the laws of gravity - new scientific instruments - advances in medicine & knowledge of the human body

Scientific Revolution Causes There were several factors that challenged the worldview of Western Europeans in the late Middle Ages and contributed to the Scientific Revolution. - The Renaissance (1300-1600) - Printing press (1452) - Protestant Reformation (1517) - Voyages of exploration (1500s)

A. THE RENAISSANCE Between the 14th – 16th centuries, a new age dawned in Western Europe, given expression by remarkable artists and thinkers. This age is called the Renaissance, meaning “rebirth.” The Renaissance marked the transition from medieval times to the early modern world.

A. THE RENAISSANCE During the Renaissance there was a new spirit of adventure and curiosity - Trade assumed greater importance than before. - Navigators sailed across the oceans. - Scientists viewed the universe in new ways. - Writers and artists experimented with new techniques.

Italy The Renaissance (rebirth) began in Italy in the 14th century Italy’s central location helped make it a center for the trade of goods and ideas.

B. THE RENAISSANCE Renaissance thinkers: - sought to bring Europe out of disorder & disunity. - placed greater emphasis on individual achievement. - tried to understand the world with more accuracy. - revived interest in classical Greek and Roman learning.

Humanism The heart of the Italian Renaissance was humanism: the Renaissance intellectual movement that studied classical cultures to increase understanding of their own times Although most Renaissance humanists were devoutly religious, they focused on worldly issues rather than religion.

Humanism They believed education should stimulate creativity. They emphasized study of the humanities, such as grammar, rhetoric, poetry, and history. Humanists studied the works of Greece and Rome to learn about their own culture.

Renaissance Legacy Paintings and sculptures portrayed individuals and nature in more realistic & lifelike ways. Artists created works that were secular as well as those that were religious. Writers began to use vernacular languages to express their ideas. The arts praised individual achievement. Christian humanists’ attempt to reform society changed views about how life should be lived People began to question political structures & religious practices

Chapter 17, Sec 1 Review Complete section review handout Italy: Birthplace of the Renaissance

B. Printing Press Review Gutenburg’s 1452 invention allowed for the mass publication of literature

Printing Press Impact

B. Printing Press Impact Greater availability of books Increased literacy rates Rediscovering knowledge and spread of new discoveries Published legal proceedings led to an increased understanding of rights Some publications challenged religious authority