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

Using textual analysis of 173,031 works printed in England between 1500 and 1900, we test whether British culture evolved to manifest a heightened 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 17th century. Second, scientific volumes became more progress-oriented during the Enlightenment. Third, industrial works—especially those at the science-political economy nexus—were more progress-oriented beginning in the 17th century. It was therefore the more pragmatic, industrial works which reflected the cultural values cited as important for Britain’s takeoff.

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/