SPP - Scientific, Philosophical, and Political Developments Module Overview
Scientific, Philosophical, and Political Developments
Introduction
The Scientific Revolution marks a major shift in European thinking, breaking from the old and embracing the new. The decision to question our natural universe could only have occurred after the Reformation challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. Building upon the challenges to the spiritual world, thinkers in the 1600s began to turn to the skies and inward in order to determine how the natural world works.
The invention of the printing press enabled a more rapid spread of scientific knowledge. Scientists from all over Europe were able to share ideas and theories; a circumstance that encouraged an evolution and refinement of scientific and mathematical theories. Just as the race for colonies had resulted in international rivalry so did the Scientific Revolution. Not only did European states want the prestige of claiming Europe's greatest scientists, but the new technologies of military warfare encouraged almost constant war between rival nations. As the Renaissance and the Reformation encouraged literacy as a tool for academic exploration, the unquestioning loyalty to Catholic tradition and dominance was challenged, allowing further study of previously accepted theories. In fact Renaissance humanism opened up scientific texts of classical civilizations to the new Europeans. The revisiting of the classical texts allowed a foundation for the exploration of modern thought.
Where the Reformation allowed for the questioning of religion and man's salvation and the Scientific Revolution allowed for the questioning of man's place in nature, the Enlightenment built upon these ideals to lead man to question his place in society. With traditional sources of authority no longer dominating man's worldview, a new period emerged in which one attempted to apply reason and logic to understand the fundamental concepts of the day. This rationalization of society also paved the way for the questioning of government - as perhaps Absolutism was not the ideal form of government for the people. Increased literacy rates that began with the Renaissance allowed ideas to easily diffuse throughout Europe which would spur later revolutions. The Enlightenment period reflects a clash between old and new Europe as the Age of Reason ushers in a more modern way of thinking that will impact nations for the centuries that follow.
However, the 18th Century wasn’t just about the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, This era also welcomed advancements in agricultural practice and technology which led to an increased population, the growth of a commercial economy, and the development of culture and art.
Module Lessons Preview
In this module, we will study the following topics:
- Scientific Revolution – A drastic change in scientific thought in the 17th and 18th centuries that brought about the scientific method and understanding of the natural world.
- The Enlightenment – An intellectual and philosophical movement that brought changes to society and government.
- 18th-Century Society and Demographics – A description of the reasons for changes to society and the resulting changes to demographics.
- 18th-Century Culture and Arts – Changes and continuities to cultural and intellectual life in the 18th century.
- Enlightened and Other Approaches to Power – States, nations, and rulers who used absolutism to consolidate political power but showed social grace.
Essential Questions
- Explain the context in which the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment developed in Europe.
- Explain how an understanding of the natural world developed and changed during the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment.
- Explain the causes and consequences of Enlightenment thought on European society from 1648 to 1815.
- Explain the influence of Enlightenment thought on European intellectual development from 1648 to 1815.
- Explain the factors contributing to and the consequences of demographic changes from 1648 to 1815.
- Explain how European cultural and intellectual life was maintained and changed throughout the period from 1648 to 1815.
- Explain how different forms of political power were influenced by Enlightenment thought from 1648 to 1815.
- Explain how and why political and religious developments challenged or reinforced the idea of a unified Europe from 1648 to 1815.
- Explain how and why the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment challenged the existing European order and understanding of the world.
Textbook Assignment and Unit Review Form
As you work through this module, be certain to read the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment & the Eighteenth Century chapters in your textbook. As you are reading, you may wish to jot down notes in the unit review form. Please pay close attention to the challenges presented to the Church (from the various scientific discoveries), as well as how the revolution extended to and changed popular culture. This is for your notes, not to submit.
Download a copy of the unit review form here. Links to an external site.
You will also notice questions at the end of some lessons. They will be marked with a question icon like the one to the left. For now, these questions are ungraded but will give you an opportunity to work on analysis - a skill you will need on the exam and in future history courses. Use the textbook and other resources to answer the questions that accompany the lessons and keep them in your notes to review.
Key Terms and People
There are several people and items you need to look over for this module. Be sure to download the ID list (linked below) - EVEN if you do not plan on defining them for your notes. This is for your notes, not to submit. You need to look over the list of terms to see what you will need to pay particular attention to in this module.
Download a copy of the ID List for this module here. Links to an external site.
The presentation below is helpful in seeing some of the more important people and terms, but is by no means a definitive list.
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