5.3 Scientific Revolution and Changing Perceptions of Nature

Scientific advancements in Europe transformed views of nature from mystical to mechanistic. The rise of empiricism and key figures like Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton revolutionized our understanding of the physical world, challenging traditional beliefs and authorities.

These scientific methods led to improved instruments, new disciplines, and better mapping. The Enlightenment further shaped environmental thought, promoting human dominion over nature. Early environmental thinkers emerged, while exploration and colonization influenced perceptions of unfamiliar ecosystems and resources.

Scientific Perspectives on Nature

European attitudes towards nature

Top images from around the web for European attitudes towards nature

• 

  Nicolaus Copernicus Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  aldworthapworld - C7. Cultural and intellectual developments in Europe, Renaissance, Reformation ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Scientific Revolution | Boundless World History View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Nicolaus Copernicus Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  aldworthapworld - C7. Cultural and intellectual developments in Europe, Renaissance, Reformation ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for European attitudes towards nature

• 

  Nicolaus Copernicus Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  aldworthapworld - C7. Cultural and intellectual developments in Europe, Renaissance, Reformation ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Scientific Revolution | Boundless World History View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Nicolaus Copernicus Archives - Universe Today View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  aldworthapworld - C7. Cultural and intellectual developments in Europe, Renaissance, Reformation ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Transitioned from mystical, spiritual view to rational, mechanistic perspective seeing nature as a machine that could be studied, understood, and controlled (clockwork universe)
• Shifted away from the idea of nature as a living, sacred entity no longer viewed as possessing a soul or divine essence
• Empiricism and scientific method rose emphasizing observation, experimentation, and evidence-based reasoning (Baconian method)
• Rejected traditional authorities and superstitious beliefs in favor of empirical evidence and logical reasoning
• Key scientific figures emerged and made significant contributions
  • Copernicus proposed heliocentric model of the solar system challenging Ptolemaic geocentric model
  • Galileo made observations supporting Copernican theory and advancements in physics (telescopic observations, laws of motion)
  • Newton formulated laws of motion and universal gravitation providing a mathematical framework for understanding the physical world

Impact of scientific methods

• Advancements in mathematics and development of calculus enabled more precise measurements and calculations in natural sciences (infinitesimal calculus)
• Optical instruments improved allowing detailed observations of astronomical and biological phenomena
  • Telescopes revealed previously unknown celestial bodies and features (moons of Jupiter, rings of Saturn)
  • Microscopes uncovered microscopic worlds of cells, microorganisms, and minute structures (Hooke's Micrographia)
• Cartographic innovations and more accurate mapmaking facilitated exploration and better understanding of global geography (Mercator projection)
• Aided in cataloging and classification of natural resources for potential exploitation and trade
• New scientific disciplines emerged gaining prominence
  • Botany systematically studied and categorized plants (Linnaeus' binomial nomenclature)
  • Zoology focused on classifying and understanding animals (Buffon's Histoire Naturelle)
  • Geology investigated Earth's structure, history, and processes (Steno's principles of stratigraphy)

Enlightenment and Environmental Thought

Enlightenment and environmental thought

• Enlightenment values of reason, progress, and human agency influenced attitudes towards nature
  • Believed in human capacity to understand and manipulate natural world for human benefit and progress
  • Viewed nature as a resource to be harnessed and exploited for human advancement (agricultural improvements, industrial development)
• Anthropocentric worldview and concept of human dominion over nature became prevalent
  • Justified exploitation of natural resources as a means to improve human condition
  • Believed in superiority of human reason over natural order and ability to control and reshape environment
• Early environmental thinkers emerged and proposed ideas
  • John Evelyn advocated for reforestation and sustainable forestry practices (Sylva, or A Discourse of Forest-Trees)
  • Carl Linnaeus developed taxonomic system for classifying living organisms (Systema Naturae)
  • Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon studied Earth's history and proposed early theories of evolution (Histoire Naturelle)

Exploration's influence on nature perceptions

• European encounters with new environments and ecosystems during exploration and colonization shaped perceptions
  • Amazed and fascinated by diversity of flora and fauna in Americas, Africa, and Asia (exotic species, megafauna)
  • Attempted to catalog, classify, and understand unfamiliar species within existing European frameworks
• Exploited natural resources in colonial territories for economic gain
  • Extracted precious metals, timber, and agricultural products to fuel European economies (gold, silver, sugar)
  • Established plantations and cash crop economies altering native ecosystems and land use patterns (tobacco, cotton, rubber)
• Imperialist attitudes towards indigenous peoples and their relationship with nature emerged
  • Perceived indigenous practices as primitive, inefficient, and in need of European "improvement" (shifting cultivation, polyculture)
  • Imposed European land management and agricultural techniques disregarding traditional ecological knowledge
• Global trade networks emerged and had environmental impacts
  • Introduced non-native species through trade routes intentionally and accidentally (Columbian Exchange)
  • Caused deforestation and land degradation due to increased demand for resources (shipbuilding, charcoal production)