Final answer:
New knowledge can challenge and reshape societal values and beliefs, as seen in historical examples like Galileo's and Luther's challenges to established worldviews. Scientific advancements and critical theory further demonstrate that knowledge evolves, influencing ideologies and shifting public opinion, fostering societal progression and enlightenment.
Step-by-step explanation:
How can new knowledge potentially change established values or beliefs in society? New knowledge has the power to challenge and eventually transform deep-seated beliefs and values within a society. The acquisition of new insights—be it through scientific discoveries, exposure to diverse perspectives, or cultural exchanges—can initiate changes in the collective worldview, leading to shifts in societal norms and ethics.
Historical figures such as Galileo and Martin Luther are examples of how groundbreaking ideas can profoundly affect societal beliefs. These figures, through their revolutionary thoughts and discoveries, contested the dominant ideologies of their times, reshifting societal paradigms. Similarly, modern scientific advancements, such as the understanding of genetics and the conception of paradigm shifts, highlight that science is a dynamic process, continuously refining and sometimes radically altering our comprehension of the world.
As society progresses, involvement in political or social movements, advancements in technology, and critical theory challenge existing power structures and influence public opinion. This can culminate in a broad-scale revaluation of ideals, goals, and customs, leading to societal evolution. It acknowledges that while there is resistance to change, the human pursuit of knowledge invariably shapes our cultural foundations and socio-political landscapes, enabling progress and promoting a more enlightened existence.