[r9etb]

It must be noted, however, that much of the groundwork was laid in ancient times, most notably Greece. I've seen it claimed that the introduction of Aristotle into Medieval Europe was a catalyst for the type of thinking necessary for the Western accomplishments.

Then again, the Greeks didn't accomplish what the Europeans did; and perhaps that bolsters Whitehead's point. The intense theological pursuits of the Middle Ages perhaps put in place the sorts of thought processes necessary to assimilate those ideas into a wider system of knowledge.

I've also heard it claimed that the Black Death helped with the transition -- among other things, the surfeit of old clothes/rags enabled the production of cheap paper, and thus a means of distributing information.... But then again, the Chinese had paper, and didn't accomplish the same things.

If we understand Whitehead's point as being that Christianity "set the tone," not only for scientific progress, but also for the ideas of individual worth and individual rights, then it appears that he was right.

[PatrickHenry]

It must be noted, however, that much of the groundwork was laid in ancient times, most notably Greece.

Today's youth just don't respect the Olympian gods. What's this world coming to?

[betty boop]

Excellent insights, r9etb. Well said. Thank you so very much for writing!

[Alamo-Girl]

Excellent insights! Thank y'all so very much!