Between 1500 and 1700, natural philosophers formed a new scientific worldview by focusing on fundamental questions about the nature of the universe. The scientific revolution during this time period had many supporters and opponents and greatly impacted the views of society. The works of scientists were largely hindered by political, religious and social figures, which created barriers to the spread of scientific ideas. In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, religious personages, philosophers, scientists, and political dignitaries had different views on how the findings of scientists were affected by political figures that had external motives, the support of religious figures that had conflicting beliefs, and social factors such as gender …show more content…
Political figures realized that through supporting scientific finding they had the opportunity to gain money and power. This is illustrated in English philosopher Thomas Hobbes sentiments in the Leviathon. Hobbes states that scientific discoveries are disputed when they come into conflict with the interests of the powerful and affect “ambition, profit, or lust” (Document 7). Moreover, the drawing to commemorate Louis XIV’s visit to the French Royal Academy in 1671 (Document 10) shows tools that all could benefit the king in fields such as astronomy, navigation, and geography. The “Sun King” heavily supported the academies, and this is exemplified when he founded the French Academy of Sciences in 1666 to encourage the spirit of scientific research. While Louis XIV may have had a true yearning to visit the French Royal Academy, it is most likely that he was showing his power and support since he knew riches could derive from the research. Moreover, Jean Baptiste Colbert, French finance minister under Louis XIV, shows that academies of letters and sciences have been established because they promote benefits to the state such as an abundance of wealth and glory abroad (Document 11). This document is a section of a personal letter and therefore should represent his genuine …show more content…
For example, gender discrimination greatly impacted the work of scientists because in general women were not accepted into scientific communities and therefore possible gains from female scientists were lost. However, even though universities and academies did not accept female members (except in Italy), women were involved in informal scientific communities, such as attending salons and performing experiments. This sexism is exemplified when Secretary of the English Royal Society, Henry Oldenbury, wrote a letter to German scientist, Johannes Hevelius. Oldenbury states, “Friendship among learned men is a great aid to the investigation and elucidation of the truth” (Document 6). His use of “men” instead of other gender-neutral terms demonstrates the clear sexism during this period. Also, this sentiment shows that he believes interaction between researchers is important and that a community of scientists is needed to further the development of science. In addition, Margaret Cavendish, a female philosopher, states in Observations on Experimental Philosophy that women’s intellect is less esteemed than in former ages. She further demonstrates sexism by stating, “I, being a women, do fear they would soon cast me out their schools” (Document