Question

How did the Scientific Revolution affect the development of the study of economics? A. The emphasis on reason shaped Enlightenment thinking. B. The principles of experimentation were applied to economic questions. C. The development of new technology prompted the study of economics. D. The rejection of classical authority opened a longforbidden subject.

Short answer

D. The rejection of classical authority opened a long-forbidden subject.

Step-by-step solution

- Understanding the Question

The question asks how the Scientific Revolution influenced the development of economics. Evaluate each option to determine the correct answer.

- Assess Option A

Option A states that the emphasis on reason shaped Enlightenment thinking. This is true but not directly related to how the study of economics developed.

- Assess Option B

Option B suggests that the principles of experimentation were applied to economic questions. The Scientific Revolution did promote experimental approaches, but this was more relevant to natural sciences than economics.

- Assess Option C

Option C claims that new technology development prompted the study of economics. Although technology can influence economies, this is not a primary reason for the evolution of economic studies during the Scientific Revolution.

- Assess Option D

Option D proposes that the rejection of classical authority opened the study of economics, which had been a long-forbidden subject. The Scientific Revolution challenged traditional views, encouraging exploration in various fields, including economics.

- Conclusion

Considering the detailed analysis, Option D most directly explains how the Scientific Revolution influenced the development of the study of economics.

Key concepts

Enlightenment thinking

The Enlightenment was an intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This movement arose partly due to the Scientific Revolution.
This new way of thinking placed a significant emphasis on reason and evidence over superstition and dogma. Consequently, thinkers began to apply rational thought to understand and improve society.
Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Adam Smith explored human behavior and societal structures systematically. Their work laid the groundwork for modern economics by challenging traditional views and encouraging the application of rational principles to understand economic systems.

experimental approach

The experimental approach involves conducting experiments to test hypotheses and observe outcomes. This method became widely accepted during the Scientific Revolution, revolutionizing the way knowledge was acquired.
Applying the experimental method to economics meant scrutinizing economic theory and practice with the same rigor as natural sciences. It provided a framework for developing and validating economic theories through observational data.
Economic pioneers like Adam Smith and David Ricardo began to use empirical evidence to support their theories, making economics more systematic and scientific.

classical authority

Classical authority refers to the established doctrines and teachings from ancient sources, particularly those from Greek and Roman philosophers. Before the Scientific Revolution, these teachings were rarely questioned.
During the Scientific Revolution, thinkers began rejecting classical authority, seeking new knowledge through observation and experimentation. This shift allowed scholars to question long-standing economic beliefs and practices.
Such rejection led to the exploration of new ideas and innovations in economics, contributing to the development of modern economic thought.

development of economics

The development of economics as a field of study was significantly influenced by the Scientific Revolution. The challenging of classical authority and the embrace of reason and empirical evidence laid the foundation for modern economic theory.
Pioneers like Adam Smith utilized Enlightenment ideals and the experimental approach to develop economic theories that emphasized observation and rationality. Their work led to the systematic study of economics, considering it a crucial component of understanding societies.
Modern economics owes much to these early inspirations, emphasizing rational analysis and evidence-based conclusions to understand and predict economic phenomena.