During the middle decades of the twentieth century, the Scientific Revolution came to be understood as a key period in Western history. Recently, historians have cast doubt upon this category, questioning whether the relevant institutions and practices of the seventeenth century are similar enough to modern science to warrant the label ‘scientific’. A central focus of their criticisms has been the identity of natural philosophy – the major discipline concerned with the study of nature in the early modern period – and its differences from modern science.

Using the above premise and the readings from The Scientists, do you think there was a “Scientific Revolution” in the 17th century? Whether your answer is either in favor or against this proposition, providing numerous supporting examples to back up your assertions.

Minimum word count: 750 words