THE PURSUIT OF SCIENTIFIC TRUTH IN THE INTELLECTUAL CENTERS OF THE GREEK ENLIGHTENMENT PERIOD

Author: Apostolos Karaoulas

ABSTRACT

The continuous scientific quest for truth is a timeless question posed by humanity since the time people began living in organized societies, seeking a better understanding of the environment and the phenomena around them. With knowledge, we can foresee the future and acquire powerful tools to face the challenges of daily life and society, as well as to solve complex problems.

Without the scientific approach, societal progress is impossible. Science encourages critical thinking and the constant effort for improvement and innovation, contributing to the development of a more informed and progressive society.

This paper attempts to highlight the importance of experimentation, visual aids, and measurement in the progress of science. It examines how science was shaped from the Renaissance and reached its peak in Europe during the period of the European Enlightenment. This era exerted significant influence on the intellectual activity of the Greek Enlightenment. The paper points out how experimentation, visual aids, and measurement contributed to the advancement of knowledge. It also discusses the development of new theoretical and practical approaches in physics, mathematical sciences, and other scientific fields.

Furthermore, it seeks to underscore the role of science as the primary means for the pursuit of truth and knowledge, as well as the dynamic exhibited by humanity, emancipated from religious dogmatism, thereby enhancing the intellectual evolution of humanity and scientific progress. Finally, it emphasizes the continuous connection and mutual influence between traditions and contemporary scientific developments, as well as the importance of the educational process in promoting scientific knowledge and critical thinking in society.

Keywords: Science and education, research in the Renaissance, education in the European Enlightenment, physical sciences in the Greek Enlightenment

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