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The Scientific Revolution and Its Impact

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Throughout the Scientific Revolution, scientists and natural philosophers created a new scientific world by questioning popular ideas and constructing original models. During the 1500s and 1600s, the concept of individualism, the principle of being independent and self-reliant, began to be applied to one’s life. People began to have individual thoughts and started to disagree with commonly believed ideas promoted by the Church. As this way of thinking expanded throughout Europe, scientists looked to others for clarification and support on scientists’ ideas. Scientists needed the acceptance of others and the money of patrons to spread their ideas and discoveries. During this era the work of scientists were positively impacted by the views of society, the influence the church had over the general public and the power held by political leaders.

The acceptance of science throughout society aided in the expansion of scientific ideas. Once the general public recognized science, it became easier for scientists to communicate and build off each other's ideas. During the scientific revolution, people in society looked toward their community for reinforcement. Henry Oldenburg was a scientist, a philosopher, and the secretary for the English Royal Society, a learned group of scientists. Oldenburg believed that scientists and philosophers should work together to help science achieve its highest potential (Document 5). Even other members of the scientific society believed

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