Enlightenment Ideals and Belief in Progress in the Run-up to the Industrial Revolution: A Textual Analysis

Authors

Ali Almelhem, The World BankFollow
Murat Iyigun, University of Colorado, BoulderFollow
Austin Kennedy, University of Colorado, BoulderFollow
Jared Rubin, Chapman UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-11-2023

Abstract

We trace the evolution of the language of science, religion, and political economy in the centuries leading to the British Industrial Revolution. Using textual analysis of 173,031 works printed in England between 1500 and 1900, we test whether British culture manifested a belief in progress associated with science and industry. Our analysis yields three main findings. First, there was a separation in the language of science and religion beginning in the late-17th century. Second, volumes using language at the nexus of science and political economy became more progress-oriented during the Enlightenment. Third, volumes using industrial language—especially those at the science-political economy nexus—were more progress-oriented beginning in the 17th century.

Comments

ESI Working Paper 23-13

Recommended Citation

Almelhem, A., Iyigun, M., Kennedy, A., & Rubin, J. (2023). Enlightenment ideals and belief in progress in the run-up to the Industrial Revolution: A textual analysis. ESI Working Paper 23-13. https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/esi_working_papers/393/