How did Isaac Newton's discoveries influence Enlightenment thinkers?

How did Isaac Newton's discoveries influence Enlightenment thinkers?

• A. Enlightenment thinkers attempted to base their philosophies on religious tradition.
• B. Enlightenment thinkers studied Newton's writings about the freedom of human beings and the proper role of kings and governments.
• C. Enlightenment thinkers employed Newton's scientific method when exploring questions about human nature and the responsibilities of the citizen.
• D. Enlightenment thinkers looked to Copernicus and Galileo for answers about the nature of art and religion.

Answer: (C)

Newton’s approach showed that complex phenomena can be understood through reason, careful observation, and mathematical description. Enlightenment thinkers took that mindset and applied it to human nature and how societies are governed, using a method similar to the scientific method to question rights, duties, and political arrangements. This led to ideas that there are natural, universal principles governing human affairs—basis for natural rights, social contracts, and reform through reason rather than tradition or dogma. The other options misplace the influence: relying on religious tradition, focusing Newton’s thoughts on political freedom in his writings, or looking to Copernicus and Galileo for answers about art and religion aren’t the ways Newton’s scientific mindset translated into Enlightenment political and social thought.

Newton’s approach showed that complex phenomena can be understood through reason, careful observation, and mathematical description. Enlightenment thinkers took that mindset and applied it to human nature and how societies are governed, using a method similar to the scientific method to question rights, duties, and political arrangements. This led to ideas that there are natural, universal principles governing human affairs—basis for natural rights, social contracts, and reform through reason rather than tradition or dogma. The other options misplace the influence: relying on religious tradition, focusing Newton’s thoughts on political freedom in his writings, or looking to Copernicus and Galileo for answers about art and religion aren’t the ways Newton’s scientific mindset translated into Enlightenment political and social thought.