How did the Scientific Revolution impact people's views about absolute monarchies and government?
Select all that apply.
Answer:
- People questioned the characteristics a ruler should have
- People questioned the rule by divine right of European monarchs
To understand how the Scientific Revolution impacted people's views about absolute monarchies and government, it is helpful to consider the key ideas and discoveries of this period. The Scientific Revolution was a transformative period that took place between the 16th and 18th centuries. During this time, there were significant advancements in areas such as astronomy, physics, mathematics, and biology.
One of the central ideas of the Scientific Revolution was the emphasis on observation, experimentation, and the use of reason to understand the natural world. This shift from a reliance on traditional authority and beliefs to empirical evidence and rational thinking had profound effects on people's views about various aspects of society, including the role of monarchies and government.
As individuals became exposed to new scientific discoveries and ideas, their thinking was expanded, leading to the questioning of established norms. Here are two ways in which the Scientific Revolution impacted people's views about absolute monarchies and government:
1. Questioning the characteristics a ruler should have: The Scientific Revolution encouraged critical thinking and a greater emphasis on reason. As individuals embraced the scientific method to understand the natural world, they also began to question the qualities that a ruler should possess. The idea that power should be concentrated in the hands of a single individual without question came under scrutiny. People started to consider the importance of leadership abilities, intellectual capacity, and the well-being of the governed as factors for a ruler's legitimacy. This shift in thinking influenced discussions and debates about good governance and what qualities should be valued in rulers.
2. Questioning the rule by divine right of European monarchs: The Scientific Revolution sparked a renewed interest in natural laws and the physical world. As scientific discoveries challenged traditional beliefs, including those concerning the natural order, people began to question the concept of divine right. The notion of divine right claimed that monarchs derived their authority directly from God and were therefore not subject to earthly limitations or laws. However, the emphasis on empirical evidence and reason fueled skepticism towards this concept. The idea that rulers should be accountable to their subjects and adhere to laws based on reason and natural rights gained traction.
It is important to note that while the Scientific Revolution played a significant role in shaping people's views about absolute monarchies and government, other factors such as the Enlightenment and political developments also contributed to the transformation of these ideas during this period.