Final answer:
The development of the scientific method in the 1600s had a significant impact on traditional sources of authority, challenging religious and philosophical beliefs. The scientific method emphasized empirical evidence and rational thinking, leading to the questioning of traditional hierarchies and the development of new ideas and innovations during the Enlightenment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of the scientific method in the 1600s had a significant impact on traditional sources of authority. Prior to this period, knowledge was often based on religious or philosophical beliefs. However, the scientific method introduced a new way of understanding the world through systematic observation, experimentation, and data analysis. This approach challenged traditional religious and philosophical authority as it emphasized empirical evidence and rational thinking.
The scientific method was developed by various philosophers and scientists during this time. One of the key figures was Francis Bacon, who emphasized the importance of experimentation and induction in scientific inquiry. Isaac Newton, another influential figure, developed laws of planetary motion and gravity that provided evidence for a rational and orderly universe.
The impact of scientific thinking on traditional sources of authority was profound. As scientists discovered new knowledge about the natural world through the scientific method, it challenged religious and philosophical explanations that were based on faith or tradition. This led to a questioning of traditional hierarchies and social structures, as well as the authority of religious institutions. The scientific method empowered individuals to think critically and independently, leading to the development of new ideas and innovations that shaped the Enlightenment and the modern world.