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The New Philosophy
Mr. Meester
AP European History
Pages 459-466
Nature as a Mechanism

The Scientific Revolution pushed
scientists and philosophers to try to
explain the world in mechanical
terms.


God was described as a watchmaker and
the universe a watch that functioned
automatically.
Mathematics becomes the key Science
and Natural Philosophy.
Francis Bacon


The author of Advancement of Learning
(1605) and an advocate of experimental
approaches to knowledge, Francis Bacon
(1561-1626) formalized empiricism, an
approach using inductive reasoning.
Bacon himself did few experiments but
believed empiricism would produce useful,
rather than purely theoretical, knowledge.

This became the basis of the Scientific Method
Rene’ Descartes


Helped to bring the use
of scientific knowledge in
the development of
human philosophy.
Emphasized human
reasoning as the best
road to understanding.
(Deductive reasoning)

“I Think, Therefore I Am”
Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679)


Hobbes was well read/traveled 17th
century political philosopher
In 1651 he wrote Leviathan in response
to the English Civil War




Argued in favor of a strong centralized
government (Absolutism)
Disagreed with both ancient & religious views
on human nature
Humans survive due to the fact they entered
into political/social contract
The form of absolute government mattered
little
John Locke (1632-1704)

Locke was the most influential political
philosopher of the 17th century
 His Two Treatises of Government became the
basis of liberal thought in Europe & America

Locke was heavily involved in the Restoration
period after the English Civil War
 First Treatise of Government
 Second Treatise of Government

Disagreed with Hobbes

Letter Concerning Toleration

Still had issue with the church