History of Western Philosophy, Volume 2

Author: Bertrand Russell
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-06-01
Features: The period commonly referred to as the "modern" era differs significantly from the medieval period in terms of people's thoughts and perspectives. Two important points are involved: the decline of the church's authority and the gradual rise of scientific authority. Other divisions are closely related to these two points. Modern culture can be better described as secular rather than monastic. The state increasingly replaces the church as the dominant force in governing culture. Initially, the supreme authority of most nations rested with kings, but later, as in ancient Greece, kings were gradually replaced by democratic states.