To What Extent Was Religion the Most Significant Reason that New Knowledge was Restricted in the Medieval Period, 1381-1481?

Abstract

Phoebe Allen

The Church was the epicenter of knowledge in the Mediaeval period, and thus the ultimate holder of power. It is noted throughout the years 1384-1481 that the church was assisting knowledge, although only for its own purposes, and restricted any new knowledge outside of the church. For Centuries, historians have disagreed the extent religion has had on scientific and intellectual advancement, with some stating it was the dismissal of the common people that restricted new knowledge, while others claim it was the Church that created dismissal, as all knowledge and thus all consequences are held by it. However, the Medieval period was a time of rapid change, with famine, war and disease ravaging Europe, thus before historians can blame the Church for restricting new knowledge, the historical context must be fully dissected, as it is only then that the extent to which religion restricted new knowledge can be fully understood.

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