Elements of Modern Western Culture
Who coined the term MODERN?
Ans. Renaissance Humanist – Frencesco Petrarch
He divided history into three eras
1st – Ancient World (Egypt, Sumerian, etc)
2nd – Middle (Middle Ages/Medieval)
3rd – Modern (begins with the Renaissance)
(1300s)………………………………………………………………)
What are the elements of Modern Western Culture?
Individualism (emphasis on the individual)
Example – Luther’s challenge to the RCC. His belief that anyone could read
and interpret the Bible.
Renaissance and Reformation (1300s-1500s)
Rationalism (emphasis on individual reason)
Example – Copernicus’ idea of a heliocentric model of the universe and
Galileo’s proof through observation.
Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment (1600s – 1700s)
Secularism (separation of church and state)
Example – After many years of religious conflict (30 Years’ War, English
Religious Wars), emerges the idea of the separation of church and state.
Religious conflict as a result of the Protestant Reformation (1500s-1600s)
Nationalism (idea that we come together as a nation)
Example – The emergence of nation-states in Europe with a common
language, culture, laws, government (an inter-locking unity)
Rise of Absolutism and Constitutionalism (1600s – 1700s). French
Revolution (1789 – 1815)
Capitalism (new form of economic exchange, wealth creation)
Example – The Dutch invite investors to invest capital on trade ventures
with the hope of making profit on their investments.
(1600s - 1700s)