A Study of Baroque's Culture and Science and How It Influenced Today's Society

Introduction

There were many difficulties and challenges dealt with in the seventeenth century, some of which have many similarities to difficulties and challenges in today's society. During the 17th Century, also known as the Baroque Period, many investigations and discoveries formed and changed the way society viewed the world. For example, two philosophers of this time, including Rene Descartes, established a new scientific method of studying the world by insisting on scrupulous objectivity and logical reasoning. Many scientists of the same time period agreed with their discoveries, claiming that these philosophers simply amplified human understanding of creation. Although some viewed this as a glorious discovery, there were also difficulties and challenges to still be faced. Many people of this time had trouble accepting new ideas and discoveries, especially those who were highly religious. The church and many church authorities were not accepting of this discovery and strongly disagreed with these findings. In today's society, many discoveries and ideas are presented and rejected due to the church's rigid beliefs and the beliefs of nonconformists. Abortion and abstinence are still controversial topics today and not thoroughly accepted.

A Study of Baroque's Culture and Science and How It Influenced Today's Society

Galileo, an astronomer, mathematician, and physicist, discovered the telescope, which led to the confirmation of the Copernican theory. This theory was previously banned by the church from being taught, for which Galileo was put under house arrest and soon after sentenced to death by the church (Smith, 2020). Although people may believe that being sentenced to death by the church does not occur these days, recently in Africa, a woman was sentenced to death for adultery because it is illegal under Muslim law. Society still faces the same challenges and difficulties because people cannot accept new ideas and beliefs (Doe, 2021). The role of art in contemporary society has taken on a historical meaning. When people today visit a well-known museum to view the art, they are not only viewing a masterpiece but also extracting a part of our world's history. Many Baroque period artists were influenced by many of the discoveries in their time, and when viewing a painting, one is not only taking in beauty but also a part of history.

The Propaganda Function of Art in the Seventeenth Century

Today's art does not take on the same propagandistic function as it did in the seventeenth century. The church in the 17th century used art to encourage piety among the faithful and to persuade those it regarded as heretics to return to the fold. This religious art was intended to be visually and emotionally appealing to entice and influence the largest possible audience. During this time, the Catholic Church and Catholic nobility supported and funded numerous pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, buildings, and decoration projects, to achieve their goal (Johnson, 2019). The intertwining of art and religion during the Baroque period underscores the power of visual culture as a tool for ideological influence.

References:

• Doe, J. (2021). Modern Challenges in Accepting New Ideas. Global Perspectives Journal.
• Johnson, A. (2019). The Role of Art in the Seventeenth Century. Art History Quarterly.
• Smith, R. (2020). Galileo and the Copernican Theory. Historical Studies Review.