Science in the Middle Ages

Main thing

Science in the Middle Ages was a period of gradual progress and rediscovery in Europe between the 5th and 15th centuries.

The Early Middle Ages saw a decline in scientific activity after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. However, Christian monasteries played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting ancient Greek and Roman scientific texts. Monks dedicated their time to reading, studying, copying, and preserving old manuscripts.

The High Middle Ages, starting from the 11th century, witnessed a revival of scientific inquiry. The translation of Arabic scientific works into Latin introduced knowledge from the Islamic world to Europe. The first universities emerged, becoming centers of learning where rediscovered texts were studied and elaborated upon, leading to new insights.

Scholars like Robert Grosseteste and Roger Bacon developed the scientific method in the 13th century, emphasizing mathematics and experimentation. In the 14th century, William of Ockham proposed the idea of parsimony (Ockham's Razor), Jean Buridan introduced the concept of impetus (related to inertia), and Nicole Oresme made compelling arguments for a heliocentric universe, predating Copernicus.

The key features of science in the Middle Ages include:

1. Preservation and transmission of ancient knowledge by Christian monasteries

2. Influence of Islamic science through translated works

3. Rise of universities as centers of learning

4. Development of the scientific method

5. Emergence of new scientific concepts and theories, such as impetus and the heliocentric model

Terms

• Middle Ages – the period in European history from the 5th to the 15th century. Example: The Middle Ages followed the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

• Western Roman Empire – the western part of the Roman Empire, which fell in 476 CE, marking the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe. Example: The fall of the Western Roman Empire led to a decline in scientific activity in the Early Middle Ages.

• Christian monasteries – religious communities where monks lived, worked, and studied during the Middle Ages. Example: Christian monasteries were crucial in preserving and transmitting ancient Greek and Roman scientific texts.

• Scientific method – a systematic approach to acquiring knowledge involving observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and verification. Example: The scientific method is used to test theories and explanations.

• Heliocentric universe – a model of the solar system where the Sun is at the center, and the Earth and other planets revolve around it. Example: Nicolaus Copernicus proposed a heliocentric model of the universe in the 16th century.

• Ockham's Razor – a principle stating that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one, attributed to William of Ockham. Example: Ockham's Razor is used to choose between competing hypotheses in scientific research.

An analogy

Science in the Middle Ages can be compared to a garden that has been neglected for some time. The garden represents scientific knowledge, and the gardeners are the scholars and monks. During the Early Middle Ages, the garden was not well-maintained, and some plants (knowledge) were lost. However, the gardeners (monks) worked hard to preserve the remaining plants (ancient texts). In the High Middle Ages, new gardeners (scholars) arrived, bringing new plants (knowledge from the Islamic world) and tools (universities, scientific method) to help the garden flourish again. This led to the growth of new plants (discoveries and theories) and set the stage for a bountiful harvest (Scientific Revolution).

A main misconception

A common misconception about science in the Middle Ages is that it was a period of scientific stagnation and regression, often referred to as the "Dark Ages." However, this view is inaccurate and oversimplifies the complex scientific developments that occurred during this time.

Example: Many people believe that the Earth was considered flat during the Middle Ages, but this is a myth. Scholars of the time, such as Thomas Aquinas (13th century), accepted the spherical Earth theory proposed by the ancient Greeks.

The history

1. 5th-10th centuries: The Early Middle Ages saw a decline in scientific activity in Western Europe after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Monasteries became centers of learning and preservation of ancient texts.

2. 11th-13th centuries: The High Middle Ages witnessed a revival of scientific inquiry. Universities emerged, and the translation of Arabic scientific works into Latin began.

3. 13th century: Robert Grosseteste and Roger Bacon developed the scientific method, emphasizing mathematics and experimentation.

4. 14th century: Scholars like William of Ockham, Jean Buridan, and Nicole Oresme made significant contributions to scientific thought.

5. 15th-17th centuries: The Scientific Revolution built upon the groundwork laid during the Middle Ages, leading to major advances in various scientific fields.

"The world is made for us to contemplate it, and to realize through it the goodness and wisdom of its Creator." – Robert Grosseteste, an English statesman, scholastic philosopher, and bishop who lived from c. 1175 to 1253. He is famous for his contributions to the scientific method and his influence on the development of modern science.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Understanding the importance of preserving knowledge: The role of monasteries in preserving ancient texts during the Middle Ages highlights the importance of safeguarding knowledge for future generations. In today's digital age, we can contribute to this by digitizing old books, documents, and photographs, ensuring their survival and accessibility.

2. Appreciating the value of translation and cultural exchange: The translation of Arabic scientific works into Latin during the Middle Ages brought new knowledge to Europe and fostered scientific progress. In our globalized world, we can benefit from learning about and appreciating the scientific contributions of different cultures, promoting collaboration and exchange of ideas.

3. Applying the scientific method in everyday life: The development of the scientific method in the Middle Ages laid the foundation for modern science. We can use this approach in our daily lives to make informed decisions and solve problems. For example, when trying to improve your study habits, you can observe your current methods, hypothesize about potential improvements, experiment with new techniques, and verify their effectiveness.

Interesting facts

• The word "university" comes from the Latin phrase "universitas magistrorum et scholarium," which means "community of masters and scholars." The first universities in Europe were founded in the 11th and 12th centuries.

• The oldest continuously operating university in the world is the University of Bologna, founded in 1088.

• The magnetic compass, which greatly improved navigation, was introduced to Europe from China during the Middle Ages.

• The Gutenberg Bible, printed in the 1450s, was the first major book printed using movable type in Europe. This invention revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge and contributed to the Scientific Revolution.

• The astrolabe, a device used for measuring the positions of celestial bodies, was greatly improved during the Islamic Golden Age and later adopted by European scholars in the Middle Ages.