THE RENAISSANCE

Case 2: Thinking Brings Enlightenment

BIG IDEAS :  Scientific methodology was used as a means of understanding the world; rational thinking was replacing superstitious beliefs. 

Discussion questions:

• In what ways was thinking repressed during the Middle Ages?  What was the effect of that repression, in your opinion?
• How did thinking flourish in the Renaissance? What factors contributed to the encouragement of thinking? 
• How, in your view, did scientific investigation challenge the dogma of the church? Why do you suppose the church was threatened by science? 
• What factors do you consider to be repressive of clear thinking in today's culture?
• What do you consider to be some of the consequences of the repression of thinking?
• Why do you suppose thinking is important? Does everyone share your belief? 
  

Case 3: The Printing Press - Taking a Giant Step Forward

BIG IDEAS :  The printing press made it possible for information to be disseminated among a large number of people.  This information sharing brought sea changes in the quality of life and thinking.

Discussion questions:

• What do you consider to be the major impact of the printing press on the quality of lives and thinking during this historical period?
• What, in your view, was the relationship between the invention of the printing press and the need to learn to read and write?
• How, in your view, does more widely shared information make improve the quality of lives?  How, in your view, does the rationing of information among a select few diminish the quality of lives?
• How would you compare the invention of the printing press with the information sharing available on the Internet?