What are some scientific breakthroughs of the Age of Realism and what new ideas undermined Enlightened ideas?
The Age of Realism, also known as the 19th century, witnessed significant scientific breakthroughs that shaped our understanding of the world. During this period, several new ideas emerged that challenged or questioned the prevailing Enlightenment ideals. Let's explore some of the scientific breakthroughs and the ideas that undermined Enlightenment concepts.
1. Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection: One of the most revolutionary scientific breakthroughs of the Age of Realism was Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin's work, especially his book "On the Origin of Species" (1859), radically shifted our understanding of life on Earth. His theory proposed that all species evolved over time through a process of natural selection, challenging the traditional religious beliefs and the idea of a divine creator.
To explore this breakthrough, you can delve into Darwin's book itself or refer to renowned resources like "The Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin as a starting point. Additionally, various documentaries, scholarly articles, and lectures on evolution can provide a comprehensive understanding of this breakthrough.
2. Electromagnetism: During the Age of Realism, a deeper understanding of the relationship between electricity and magnetism led to the development of the theory of electromagnetism. Scientists like Michael Faraday and James Clerk Maxwell played significant roles in formulating this theory. The work of Faraday, particularly his experiments with electromagnetic inductions, paved the way for later advancements in technology, such as electric generators and motors.
To explore this breakthrough, studying the works of scientists like Michael Faraday and James Clerk Maxwell can provide valuable insights. Reading books like "The Electric Life of Michael Faraday" by Alan Hirshfeld or "A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism" by James Clerk Maxwell can be helpful.
Now let's move on to the new ideas that challenged Enlightenment concepts:
1. Skepticism and Scientific Critique: The Enlightenment era emphasized the power of reason and scientific thinking. However, in the Age of Realism, skepticism and scientific critique gained prominence. Critics questioned the limits of scientific knowledge and argued that not all aspects of reality could be fully explained through rationality alone. This undermined the Enlightenment belief in the universality of human reason.
To understand this shift, exploring philosophical works like Friedrich Nietzsche's "On the Genealogy of Morality" or Immanuel Kant's "Critique of Pure Reason" can provide insights into the emergence of skepticism during this period.
2. Social Darwinism: While Darwin's theory of evolution was a scientific breakthrough, it also had significant social and political implications. The concept of "survival of the fittest" was misused by some to justify social hierarchies, racism, and imperialism. This idea, known as Social Darwinism, undermined the Enlightenment ideals of equality and individual rights.
To explore Social Darwinism, reading works like Herbert Spencer's "The Social Statics" or researching how Darwin's theory was appropriated for sociopolitical purposes can provide a deeper understanding.
Remember, these scientific breakthroughs and new ideas aren't confined to a single period but were influenced and developed over time. Therefore, it's helpful to explore different perspectives and primary sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Age of Realism and its impact on scientific thought and Enlightenment ideals.