Renaissance humanists significantly influenced the Scientific Revolution by cultivating a dedication to the study of ancient Greek and Latin texts. They sought to rediscover and revive the works of classical scholars, emphasizing reason, observation, and empirical evidence over reliance on dogma or tradition. This intellectual movement encouraged critical thinking and a questioning of established beliefs, laying the groundwork for scientific inquiry.
Humanists established universities that became centers for the study of these ancient works, thereby promoting a scholarly environment where new ideas could flourish. Their focus on human potential and the natural world inspired scientists to explore and understand the universe through observation and experimentation, rather than purely theological explanations. This spirit of inquiry, facilitated by humanist thought, was crucial for the developments that characterized the Scientific Revolution.