Historians explain that the Scientific Revolution happened first in Europe

Question

Historians explain that the Scientific Revolution happened first in Europe - rather than in China -- for all of these reasons EXCEPT
A) a shift in the European world view from a metaphysical to a more materialist perspective.
B) Chinese persistence to embrace Confucian principles.
C) the attraction of the European mercantile classes to the 'new' science as a means to exploit resources.
D) Chinese disinterest in the practical applications of scientific insights.
E) a greater intellectual capacity in Europeans.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The other reasons listed - a shift in world view, mercantile interests, and practical applications - all contributed to the development of the Scientific Revolution in Europe. The notion of greater intellectual capacity is not a valid reason for the Scientific Revolution happening in Europe, as there is no evidence to support the assertion that Europeans were inherently more intelligent than people in other cultures. The only reason listed that is not a contributing factor is the persistence of Confucian principles in China, as this alone would not explain why the Scientific Revolution did not happen there.