Humanism - A cultural and intellectual movement that emerged during the Renaissance, focusing on the study of classical texts and the value of human beings and individualism. It emphasized the importance of reason, creativity, and education, contrasting with the medieval emphasis on religious dogma.
Renaissance - A period of revival in art, culture, and intellectual pursuit beginning in the 14th century and lasting into the 17th century, marked by a renewed interest in the classical arts and sciences of Ancient Greece and Rome.
Reformation - A religious movement in the 16th century that led to the creation of Protestant churches and aimed to address issues within the Roman Catholic Church, including corruption and the sale of indulgences.
Protestant - A branch of Christianity that originated from the Reformation, rejecting the authority of the Pope and emphasizing individual interpretation of the Bible and salvation through faith alone.
Sacraments - Religious ceremonies or acts considered to be a means of divine grace in Christianity, often including baptism, Eucharist, confirmation, confession, marriage, holy orders, and anointing of the sick.
Secularism - The principle of separating religion from the political, social, and educational institutions, promoting a more secular and rational approach to governance and society.
Vernacular - The everyday language spoken by the common people in a particular region, which became increasingly important during the Renaissance as writers began to create literature in their native languages rather than Latin.
Scientific Method - A systematic process for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge, typically involving observation, experimentation, and the formulation of hypotheses.
Heliocentric Theory - The astronomical model developed by Copernicus asserting that the Earth and other planets revolve around the Sun, which shifted the understanding of the universe away from the geocentric model that placed the Earth at its center.
Enlightenment - An intellectual and philosophical movement in the 17th and 18th centuries that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing various fields such as science, politics, and ethics.
Social Contract - A theory in political philosophy that posits an implicit agreement among individuals to form a society, establishing political and moral obligations for the maintenance of social order.
Natural Rights - Fundamental freedoms and entitlements inherent to all human beings, often discussed in the context of life, liberty, and property, and significantly influenced Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke.
Heresy - A belief or opinion that deviates from established religious doctrines, often leading to persecution or condemnation by religious authorities.
Annulment - A legal decree that nullifies a marriage, declaring it to have been invalid from the start, often pursued for reasons such as lack of consent or failure to uphold the sacramental nature of matrimony.
Excommunicate - The act of officially excluding an individual from participation in the sacraments and services of the Christian Church, often as a punishment for heresy or serious moral offenses.
Recant - To withdraw or renounce a statement or belief, often under pressure or as a means of addressing accusations of heresy.
Indulgence - A grant by the Roman Catholic Church that allowed for the remission of the temporal punishment of sin, often sold during the late medieval period, which became a significant issue during the Reformation.
Moveable Type - A technological advancement in printing developed in the 15th century that allowed for the mass production of written texts, facilitating the spread of new ideas and literacy throughout Europe.
Universal Law of Gravity - A law formulated by Isaac Newton describing the gravitational force between two masses, which later became a fundamental principle in physics.
Natural Law - Philosophical principles that govern moral and ethical behavior based on human nature, often used to argue for rights and justice in political theory.
Philosophe - Enlightenment thinkers and writers who advocated for critical thinking and reform in society, particularly in the realms of philosophy, politics, and social issues.
Interesting Word: Heliocentric Theory
The heliocentric theory intrigues me because it fundamentally reshaped humanity's understanding of the universe and our place within it, moving us away from an Earth-centered view. This profound shift not only impacted astronomy but also challenged the religious and philosophical perspectives of the time, illustrating the power of scientific inquiry and the courage of thinkers like Copernicus.