The Renaissance and Protestant Reformation significantly impacted the Scientific Revolution in the following ways:
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People become less reliant on the church: The Renaissance emphasized humanism and the value of individual thought, encouraging people to question traditional authorities, including the Church. This climate of inquiry contributed to the pursuit of knowledge based on observation and empirical evidence rather than solely on religious doctrine.
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Increased emphasis on observation and experience: The Renaissance promoted advancements in art, literature, and sciences through a revival of classical learning. This shift laid the groundwork for the Scientific Revolution, inspiring thinkers to rely on observation and experimentation as methods for understanding the natural world, moving away from the Church’s established teachings.
Thus, the changes in thought and philosophy during these periods paved the way for significant scientific advancements, as scholars sought to understand the universe through reason and inquiry rather than strictly adhering to religious explanations.