Uncovering the Trusted Sources of Information Before the Scientific Revolution

Uncovering Trusted Sources of Information Before the Scientific Revolution

The scientific revolution, which spanned the 16th to the 18th century, marked a pivotal moment in human history, where traditional beliefs and superstitions gave way to rational and empirical thinking. But what were the sources of information people turned to before this period of knowledge explosion?

Religious Texts

One of the primary sources of information before the scientific revolution was religious texts. In Europe, the Bible was the most important religious text, but in other parts of the world, other religious works such as the Quran, the Torah, and the Vedas were the primary sources of knowledge. People believed that these texts provided a comprehensive understanding of the world, and the answers to all their questions were contained within them.

Ancient Greek and Roman Texts

Another source of information before the scientific revolution was ancient Greek and Roman texts. These texts, which were preserved by scholars during the Middle Ages, contained knowledge about mathematics, science, and philosophy that was lost in Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire. The works of Aristotle, Plato, and Galen were particularly influential and formed the basis of much of the knowledge that was rediscovered during the scientific revolution.

Alchemy and Astrology

Alchemy and astrology were also considered sources of knowledge before the scientific revolution. Alchemists believed that by using certain chemicals, they could create a substance that could turn base metals into gold, while astrologers believed that the positions of the stars and planets could provide insight into human affairs. Although these sciences are now considered pseudoscientific, they were taken seriously during the pre-scientific revolution era.

Oral Tradition

Before the advent of writing, oral tradition was the primary means of preserving knowledge. Ancient societies such as the Greeks, Romans, and Native Americans relied on stories passed down from generation to generation to explain the workings of the universe. These stories often contained valuable lessons and were used to teach important concepts to children.

Conclusion

In conclusion, before the scientific revolution, people relied on a variety of sources of information, including religious texts, ancient Greek and Roman texts, alchemy and astrology, and oral tradition. Although these sources of information were not always accurate or reliable, they were the best tools people had at the time to understand the world around them. The scientific revolution marked a pivotal moment in human history where rational and empirical thinking replaced traditional beliefs and superstitions.