Final answer:
Pope uses the analogy of humans as 'wheels' or 'cogs' to convey the insignificance of humans in the universe, the complexity of our existence, our interconnectedness with the cosmos, and the limitations of our perception. Philosophical and historical shifts, especially during the Renaissance, reveal humanity's non-central role in the universe. The teachings of Copernicus, Galileo, and Plato have been pivotal in shaping this understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pope, in his literary work, equates humanity to wheels or cogs in comparison to the vast cosmic machine. This analogy illustrates the concept that humankind, although intrinsically linked to the universe, is unable to fully comprehend the sheer scale and interconnectedness of the cosmos. The experience being too large for mankind to perceive can be understood in several ways. First, it reflects the insignificance of human beings in the grand scheme of the universe. Second, it points to the complexity of human existence within this grand design. Third, this idea highlights the interconnectedness of all things, implying that every element in the universe, including humanity, works together in a harmonious whole. Lastly, it emphasizes the limitations of human perception, acknowledging that there are aspects of the universe beyond our ability to see or understand.
Historical figures like Copernicus and Galileo helped to dismantle the geocentric view of the cosmos, further emphasizing humanity's humble position in the broader universe. Philosophers such as Plato also contributed to this understanding by proposing that the material world, and by extension humanity, is an imperfect representation of a perfect, higher realm of ideas. This changing perspective has vast implications not only for philosophy but also for how we value and study human existence.