Essay On Natural Philosophers Dbq

Between the 16th and 18th century natural philosophers were affected by political, religious, and social factors. These philosophers of this time were working on discovering scientific laws, mathematics and experimentation. The factors that affected the work of the scientists were, Politically, powers excepted their theories promoting them to the public leading to the great advancements in science. Religiously, the priest and other leaders were not accepting of these new findings punishing the people that were enlightened. Socially people did not take female philosophers seriously and didn’t accept their theories. This had a negative effect on scientific theories. There were positives and negatives to this time period of scientific research.

The evolution of science was positively reinforced through politics and the central powers. Specifically the french government played a major role in science. Jean Baptiste Colbert states “Because the splendor and happiness of the state consists not only in maintaining the glory of arms abroad, but also in displaying at home an abundance of wealth and in causing the arts and sciences to flourish.” (Doc 11). With Jean Baptiste Colbert being so high in excutive power, this makes it that much more important. This shows how the government helped push academics to support the work towards science, also you know its a personal letter showing how Jean Baptiste Colbert really felt. King Louis XIV attended the French Royal Academy (Doc 10). Again reittirates the support that was shown by the french government. Science further evolved because of the positive support of the government.

The priest and other religious leaders were not accepting of their new findings.

They would punish the people that were enlightened. Because of the control that the church had over the philosophers it was difficult for the society to have their own way of thinking. In the end philosophers were reaching out to the religious community to persuade them for support. “You by your influence and judgement, can readily hold the slanderers from biting.” (Doc 1). Nicolaus copernicus wrote to Pope paul III knowing he has a great influence in science. He is also leaving out his true passion showing that indeed the church still had control over the field. “Then another starts discussing how they could be descended from adam or how they could have gotten Noah’s ark, and many other extravagant ideas that you never even dreamed of.” (Doc 3). Because of how Italian monk, Giovanni Ciampoli wrote this letter you can tell it was sincere. This shows how a high ranking monk negatively attacked a scientist. Often having a big impact on the people around him. Similar to the italian monk, walter charleton had almost identical views when in came to the subject of science and religion. “ It appears impossible to imagine that atoms could be eternal or self governing, and could fix themselves into so vast and symmetrical a structure as this world.” (Doc 8). This also shows even another philosopher is supporting how science begins with religion. As my final point these religious figures and the catholic church as a whole had negative impact on how science

evolved.

In addition, society played a role in negatively impacting the field of science.

In conclusion, between the 16th and 18th century natural philosophers were affected by political, religious, and social factors. These philosophers of this time were working on discovering scientific laws, mathematics and experimentation. The factors that affected the work of the scientists were, Politically, powers excepted their theories promoting them to the public leading to the great advancements in science. Religiously, the priest and other leaders were not accepting of these new findings punishing the people that were enlightened. Socially people did not take female philosophers seriously and didn’t accept their theories. This had a negative effect on scientific theories. There were positives and negatives to this time period of scientific research.