Renaissance humanists played a significant role in influencing the Scientific Revolution, primarily through their emphasis on classical knowledge and critical thinking. The correct answer to how they influenced the Scientific Revolution is:
A. humanists learned Greek and Latin and were eager to rediscover works of ancient scholars.
Here's how this option connects:
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Rediscovery of Ancient Texts: Renaissance humanists sought to recover and study ancient Greek and Roman texts, including the works of philosophers and scientists like Aristotle, Ptolemy, and Galen. This rekindling of interest in classical knowledge laid the groundwork for new scientific inquiries.
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Promotion of Inquiry and Reason: By emphasizing human reason, empirical observation, and skepticism of established authorities (including the Church), humanists encouraged a shift away from purely scholastic thought and towards a more observational and experimental approach to understanding the natural world.
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Cultural and Intellectual Environment: The humanist movement fostered an environment that celebrated intellectual inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge, which would become foundational to the methods used by early modern scientists.
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Language and Communication: Their proficiency in Greek and Latin allowed Renaissance thinkers to access and interpret ancient scientific and philosophical works, which in turn inspired new developments and debates in science.
While the other options mention important elements of Renaissance humanism or related influences, they do not accurately capture the primary way in which humanists specifically influenced the Scientific Revolution in the context of the question.