Middle ages: influences of progress Flashcards
Why were supernatural ideas more influential on Medieval society than rational ones? Why did this slow down medical progress?
Physicians with new ideas often couldn’t find work because the Church made sure the respected ones were those who followed its own teachings and the 4 Humours. This blocked out new ideas and therefore progress.
How did the Church inhibit medical progress in the Middle Ages?
The Church controlled university learning and the availability of books; it did not allow new ideas and theories, so was a hindrance to progress. Its influence was so strong that even physical evidence against its teachings had little power.
Give one positive impact the Church had on Medieval medical progress.
However, many of the earliest hospitals were based in monasteries. Hospital care was catalysed by religion, although medical ideas were generally held back by its influence.
What role did government and royalty play in medical progress in the Middle Ages?
Slow progress was due to their laissez-faire attitude.
The collapse of the Roman empire meant the loss of a strong, centralised government. Kings were concerned with maintaining power rather than with public health. This gap in power was seized by Catholic Church to strengthen its influence on public lifestyle. This slowed progress as the Church limited development.
Did science play much of a role in Medieval medicine?
Scientific discovery was restricted by power of the Church. Ideas of medicine taught were largely supernatural, leaving little room in society for scientific thought.
