How did the Scientific Revolution contribute to the Enlightenment?

The Scientific Revolution played a pivotal role in shaping Enlightenment thought by promoting the use of reason and empirical evidence. During the Scientific Revolution, thinkers such as Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton began to challenge long-held beliefs and instead focused on observation, experimentation, and mathematical reasoning to understand the natural world. This shift towards rational inquiry laid the groundwork for Enlightenment philosophers, who advocated for the application of reason not only in the sciences but also in ethics, politics, and society.

The emphasis on empirical evidence meant that knowledge was to be tested and verified through observation, rather than accepted based solely on tradition or authority. This fostered a spirit of skepticism and inquiry that encouraged Enlightenment thinkers to question established norms and doctrines in various fields, leading to advancements in human rights, political theory, and social justice. By championing rational thought and evidence-based understanding, the Scientific Revolution directly influenced the ideas of liberty, progress, and the capacity for human improvement that defined the Enlightenment era.