The main difference between Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment is that Scientific Revolution is based on scientific discoveries in the fields of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and astronomy, whereas Enlightenment is based on the concept that reason is the main source of authority and legitimacy.
Scientific Revolution refers to the drastic changes in scientific thought that occurred during the early modern era and laid the foundation for the Age of Enlightenment. Enlightenment is an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Scientific Revolution
– Definition, Features
2. What is Enlightenment
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Enlightenment, Scientific Revolution 
What is Scientific Revolution
Scientific Revolution refers to the drastic changes in scientific thought that occurred during the early modern era. During this period, developments in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and astronomy changed the views of society about the world around us. Therefore, we can also describe Scientific Revolution as the emergence of modern science. This revolution began towards the end of the Renaissance period in Europe. Publication of De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (English meaning: On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres) by Nicolaus Copernicus in 1543 is considered to be the beginning of Scientific Revolution.
Figure 1: Manuscript of De revolutionibus orbium coelestium
Scientific Revolution saw a significant change in the medieval ideas of science. This change occurred due to collaborations between erudite from various fields (scientists, mathematicians, philosophers, etc., all collaborated to make advances in their respective fields), the introduction of new experimental methods, and institutions that enabled academic publishing.
Given below are some new ideas that were considered revolutionary in various fields of study:
Discovery and study of magnetism and electricity
The invention of tools like refracting and reflecting telescopes, steam digester vacuum pump, the mercury barometer, and mechanical calculator
Study of human anatomy based upon the dissection of human corpses
Furthermore, the Scientific Revolution laid the foundation for the Age of Enlightenment.
What is Enlightenment
Enlightenment is an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was based on the idea that reason is the main source of authority and legitimacy. Some cite the publication of René Descartes’ 1637 philosophy of Cogito, ergo sum as the beginning of Enlightenment, while others cite the publication of Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica in 1687. Moreover, this movement promoted such ideals as liberty, fraternity, progress, tolerance, constitutional government, and separation of church and state. Therefore, we can describe modern concepts like democracy, secularism, and human rights are a product of the Age of Enlightenment.
Figure 2: Thinkers in the Age of Enlightenment
Furthermore, Enlightenment produced different books, essays, laws, inventions, wars, and revolutions. In fact, the French and American revolutions were directly inspired by ideals in Enlightenment. In addition, Enlightenment eventually gave way to 19th century Romanticism.
Difference Between Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment
Definition
Scientific Revolution refers to the drastic changes in scientific thought that occurred during the early modern era while Enlightenment is an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Field
Moreover, Scientific Revolution involves scientific advancements in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and astronomy whereas Enlightenment is an intellectual and philosophical movement.
Timeline
Scientific Revolution preceded Age of Enlightenment.
Conclusion
The main difference between Scientific Revolution and enlightenment is that Scientific Revolution is based on scientific discoveries in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and astronomy, whereas Enlightenment is an intellectual and philosophical movement built on the idea that reason is the main source of authority and legitimacy.
Reference:
1. “The Scientific Revolution.” Lumen – Boundless World History.
2. “Enlightenment.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 16 Dec. 2009.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Enlightenment” By Snow Minister – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “De revolutionibus orbium coelestium” By Nicolaus Copernicus (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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