Western civilization

The modern scientific revolution view about the world replaced the existing medieval view. The scientific view of the world brought about modern understanding of human nature, physics, natural environment as well as biology. The medieval view of the world examined the globe using major realms of religion. Later, the new scientific view of the world pursued the concept that the universe was a stationary object that was located at the center of heavenly bodies (Sherman Salisbury 465).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Western civilization specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More John Locke followed the foot steps of Newton’s perception of the natural world but he went further and presented a better understanding of the minds of human. According to Locke, human beings are born with a blank mind without any innate idea or thought on it and therefore any idea found in the minds of human beings are as a result of sensory input. According to Sherman and Salisbury, â€Å"Locke’s empirical psychology rejected the notion that human beings were born with innate ideas or that revelation was a reliable source of truth† (464). According to Locke, the mind of a human being is created when it comes into contact with external world. Hence, his view on the nature of human mind challenged the medieval view of the world on the existence of human mind being based on miracles and mere beliefs. In his scientific view of the world, Locke disputed the belief on origin of sin. According to him, all human beings have the ability to change their destinies and therefore he disputed the medieval view of the world that men cannot change their perceived destination ((Sherman Salisbury 446). The new scientific view of the world promoted critical thinking unlike the medieval view which failed to do so. In addition, no single aspect or theory can be accepted on the basis of superstition. Thus, the existing super stition on nature was replaced with much reliance on reasoning and the thought that the universe was governed by rational thinking and not elements of superstition. Hence, â€Å"†¦established religions were based on nothing but hope and fear. Reason demanded that people live with skeptical uncertainty rather than dogmatic faith† (Sherman Salisbury 465).Advertising Looking for essay on ancient history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Furthermore, the new scientific view posited that nothing should be accepted on the basis of faith, superstitions and beliefs. The scientific view of the world came up with an objective truth that was used in carrying out experiments. According to scientific view of the world, individuals should use their logical and their reasoning to objectively and accurately explore the universe and not rely on superstition as the medieval view of the world did (Sherman Salisbury 467). The new sci entific view theorized the universe as a stable entity and instability could only be caused by disturbance of the universal machine. For instance, Sherman and Salisbury observe that â€Å"optimistic intellectuals pushed for reform and change using critical change and empirical reasoning to back their arguments† (465). Thus according to scientific view of the world, any instability should be avoided and emphasis should be placed on putting up measures to avoid any disturbance of the natural order (Sherman Salisbury 460). The new scientific view of the world welcomed the notion of order but discouraged disorder and thus disorder was avoided at all costs. Thus, plagues, earthquakes, storms and other threatening activities were seen as disruptors of natural order (Sherman Salisbury 459). The same view was held up by traditionalist who viewed the world as an entity created by God and therefore, the existing divine order should not be disrupted either by man or any other element. Therefore, both the new scientific view of the world and the medieval view perceived human behavior as not only disruptive but also disorderly. Hence, there was need to control both of these entities. Influence of enlightenment on traditional views and authorities The enlightenment was created by a set of intellectual and cultural transformations that took place in Europe. During the revolution period, European scholars and thinkers disputed the existing scientific beliefs that were put in place by the ancients and held up by the church. According to Sherman and Salisbury, â€Å"new information and arguments added weight to Bayle’s criticism of biblical authority† (467). For instance the geologists argued that the earth was there before and thus they disputed the biblical account the same. Science-the church altered their views towards science due to astronomers such as Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei. These astronomers questioned the existing truth on Aristotleâ €™s teachings and other truths that were accepted during that time in explaining the existence of the world and man. The works of Galilei in the field of inertia and physics and those of Kepler on the motion of earth changed the perception of the church and other authorities in the way in which they viewed the earth (Sherman Salisbury 467).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Western civilization specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Besides, during the enlightenment period, astronomy, earth science, scientific revolution and physics among others experienced new methods of scientific exploration. The enlightenment further influenced the culture, politics and scientific milestones. In conclusion, the medieval view of the world applied the realm of religion to explain existence of the world. Everything was tied up on God as the provider and creator of the universe. In addition, medieval age was laced with belief in su perstition and miracles. However, the new scientific view of the world maintained that the existence of the universe can only be explained using critical thinking and not belief system and faith. The new scientific view also believed that the existence of the earth should only be explained using the realm of truth and reality which should be objective in nature. On the other hand, the element of enlightenment influenced greatly the traditional views and authorities in quite a number of ways. Works Cited Sherman, Dennis Salisbury, Joyce. New world of reason and reform. Boston: McGraw-hill, 2004. This essay on Western civilization was written and submitted by user Melissa Buck to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.