Europe saw a vast set of changes during the 16th and 17th century that would lay out the groundwork for the scientific revolution. Just as Europe saw major changes in their political system with the addition of mercantilism, sciences witnessed a major reform in their field. Scientists such as Galileo and Copernicus contributed greatly to the astronomical sciences. Other like Newton discovered completely new theories and ideas. All of these scientists were affected by similar political and religious factors. The works of scientists were both negatively affected by the Church, who oppressed new scientific ideas and positively by political leaders who became patrons and helped scientists.
The Church had a great amount of power over science at …show more content…
The fact that Charleton connects atoms to God is understandable considering that The Church had a great amount of power over sciences at that time and that religion played a major role in people’s lives(HC). As science proved the world to be more rational, the Church feared to lose power and exercised their power over scientists and regulated their works. This is seen in Copernicus’ letter to Pope Paul III where he dedicates his book On the Revolution of Heavenly Spheres to the Pope: “It is to your Holiness rather than anyone else that I have chosen to dedicate these studies of mine” (Doc 1). This clearly shows that religious figures dominated scientists and their works. This document was written in order to gain the Pope’s support and to be able to publish his book. By dedicating his book, Copernicus shows that he is not indifferent of the Pope’s power and that he respects it (P). Other scientists such as Galileo were punished by the Inquisition by publishing works not approved by the Church. Galileo was put under house arrest for the rest of his life for his works in favor of heliocentrism (OE). Another example of how religious figures tried to control scientists is in