During the 16th and 17th centuries the Scientific Revolution flourished. While it gained many supporters it had it’s fair share of opponents. Religious controversy, especially with the Catholic Church, hindered the work of scientists by creating barriers to stop the spread of scientific ideas. But many leaders, such as King Louis XIV, supported science for their own political purposes, helping in its advance. Although there was widespread support for science, the norms of society crippled the strength and effectiveness of those who hoped to further and embrace scientific ideas. The Scientific Revolution led to new scientific discoveries that contradicted the set social ideas of the time. While these ideas were revolutionary, they went against …show more content…
Visiting the French Royal Academy, Louis XIV displays support for science (Doc 8). Being the monarch of the French State, he had to show he was involved in these new enlightened ideas, it was done as propaganda move to attract the French people and scientists. With the help of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV's finance minister, Louis was able to capture this image of an enlightened leader. Colbert believed that art and science should flourish, but believed this solely for the respect and advancement of his country (Doc 1). His personal reputation and high ranking position attributed to his decision to support scientific work. But men like, Thomas Hobbes, caught on to the fake support and openly criticized these political leaders. Hobbes claimed that people supported geometry because it didn't jeopardize their political position, but when scientific discoveries threatened religious beliefs, everyone criticized it (Doc 7). Whether supporting science for personal advancement, political advancement, or just in the belief of its legitimacy helped advance the work of scientists with their