What was a major cause of secularization in Western society?

The correct answer is - Growth of scientific rationality

Key Points

• Growth of scientific rationality
  • The rise of scientific rationality challenged traditional religious explanations and provided alternative, evidence-based understandings of the world.
  • Major scientific advancements, such as those made during the Enlightenment period, contributed to a cultural shift towards valuing empirical evidence and reason.
  • This shift encouraged people to rely more on science and less on religious dogma, leading to a more secular society.

Additional Information

• Enlightenment Period
  • A cultural movement in the 17th and 18th centuries emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, including religious institutions.
  • Prominent figures like Isaac Newton and John Locke advocated for scientific inquiry and rational thought, influencing the move towards secularization.
• Impact on Education
  • The growth of scientific rationality led to the development of secular education systems, focusing on science and humanities rather than religious instruction.
  • This broadened the knowledge base of society and reduced the influence of religious institutions over education.
• Separation of Church and State
  • The adoption of policies separating religious institutions from governmental functions helped in reducing the political power of the church.
  • This separation reinforced the secular nature of modern states, allowing for more diverse and pluralistic societies.