Before the Scientific Revolution, who were considered the final authorities of knowledge?

The Catholic Church and Greek or Roman philosophers played a crucial role in shaping knowledge and understanding before the Scientific Revolution. The Church was the principal authority in Europe, both spiritually and intellectually, influencing various aspects of life, including education, literature, and the interpretation of natural phenomena. Their teachings were often based on religious doctrine rather than empirical observation.

Greek and Roman philosophers contributed foundational ideas about the natural world, ethics, and governance, which were later revived during the Renaissance but remained heavily intertwined with established Church teachings. The dominance of these authorities meant that questioning established ideas or seeking knowledge through observation and experimentation was limited during this period.

In contrast, scientists and mathematicians were not seen as primary sources of knowledge at that time, as their fields were often viewed through the lens of aristotelian philosophy, which the Church endorsed. Renaissance artists did contribute to cultural advancements and a renewed appreciation of humanism but were not considered authorities on knowledge in the same way as the Church or ancient philosophers. National governments did not hold the same sway over intellectual thought, which remained heavily influenced by religious and philosophical teachings. Thus, the Catholic Church and Greek or Roman philosophers were the final authorities on knowledge prior to the Scientific Revolution.