The term designates a period of dramatic change in European thought that occurred roughly between the mid-16th century and the late 18th century. During this era, new methods of inquiry, emphasizing observation, experimentation, and mathematical reasoning, challenged traditional sources of authority, such as the Church and classical texts. A pivotal example includes Nicolaus Copernicus’ heliocentric theory, which posited that the Earth and other planets revolve around the sun, directly contradicting the geocentric model that had been accepted for centuries.
This intellectual transformation holds significant importance in world history due to its profound impact on scientific advancement and its contribution to the Enlightenment. It fostered a culture of questioning and critical thinking, leading to breakthroughs in fields such as physics, astronomy, anatomy, and chemistry. Furthermore, it provided a foundation for technological advancements and shaped modern understandings of the universe and the natural world. The shift towards empirical evidence and rational analysis provided tools for later challenges to existing social and political structures, linking it to subsequent revolutionary movements.
