DBQ

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, science became a topic that interested many. The way people thought about the world they lived was changed. Science was not separate from the rest of the world, and thus was influenced by outside factors. In some ways, science was aided and made to be more effective. In other ways, science was hindered and ignored. Scientists encountered the problem of trying to present the truth in such a way that no one would be offended. The scientists in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries had to keep the ruling power in mind at all times, explain the universe in conjunction with religion, and be aware of social standings in order to be a successful scientist.


Politics played a big role in the life of a scientists. Scientists wanted to have their work be accepted by the king so that he would then show it to the rest of the kingdom. Nicolaus Copernicus wrote a dedication to Pope Paul III in his book On the Revolution of the Heavenly Spheres saying, "You, by Your influence and judgement, can readily hold the slanderers from biting" (Doc. 1). Copernicus knew that the Pope had power and could make his work known, and forcibly accepted; and if not, the Pope could at least keep people from trying Copernicus for hearsay.  Another scientist, Marin Mersenne, said in a letter to his patron regarding his scientific book, "If you object to anything, I am ready to remove it entirely" (Doc. 5). Even if all of the experiments had been true, Mersenne would have deleted anything from his work just to have it published under a name that was respected.

The scientists in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries had to make sure that what they said could be related to religion in some way. Walter Charleton in his Natual Philosophy of Epicurus, Gassendi, and Charleton wrote, "The creation and arrangement of the atoms can be connected to no other cause but to an Infinite Power and Wisdom" (Doc. 8). It may be possible that the sentence may not have originally been in the transcript, but in order to please religious fanatics of the time, a God-figure had been added to science. John Calvin, a theologian, commented on the Book of Genesis: "For astronomy is not only pleasant, but also very useful; it cannot be denied that this art unfold the admirable wisdom of God" (Doc. 2). Not only does Calvin insert religion into science, he proclaims that God Himself wants astronomy to be studied.

The social aspect of science may have had the greatest impact on the development of science. In Doc 9, Margaret Cavendish says, "Were it allowable for our sex, I might set up my own school of natural philosophy." In the seventeenth century, women were not strictly prohibited to experiment with science, but it was frowned upon if they attempted to gain fame with it. Document 6 explains how being social can enhance the scientific experience: "Friendship should be spread through the whole world of learning."

Conclusion