Cosmology: The medieval view of the universe was geocentric, meaning that Earth was believed to be the center of the universe. The Earth was often depicted as a sphere surrounded by concentric spheres carrying the Sun, Moon, and planets, with the outermost sphere typically holding fixed stars.
Great Chain of Being: The medieval worldview organized all of creation into a hierarchial structure known as the Great Chain of Being. This chain extended from God at the summit, through angels, humans, animals, plants, and down to inanimate matter.Each level of the chain was seen as having a specific role and purpose in the cosmic order.
Humors and Elements: The medieval understanding of human body and health was based on the theory of humors. It was believed that the body was composed of four humors: blood, phlegm, choler, and melancholy. An imbalance in these humors could lead to illness. Similarly, the elements earth, air, fire , and water were thought to influence the physical world and human behavior.
Supernatural Intervention: Many people in medieval times attributed events and phenomenon in the physical world to supernatural or divine intervention. Religious beliefs, often rooted in Christianity or other local religions, shaped how people interpreted natural events . Miracles, signs from God, and demonic influence were commonly invoked to explain extraordinary occurrences.
Influence of Authority Figures: Medieval societies placed great importance on authority figures, including religious leaders, scholars, and philosophers. Their teachings and texts, often rooted in ancient Greek and Roman knowledge, were highly regarded and often taken as facts without extensive scientific inquiry.
Limited Observation and Empiricism: Empirical observation and experimentation, which became the foundation of modern scientific method, was not widely practiced in the Middle Ages. Many people relied on pre-existing knowledge and deductions rather than direct observations and experiments to understand the physical world.
Influence of Classical Text: Medieval scholars and thinkers often drew upon classical texts, such as those by Aristotle and Ptolemy, to explain natural phenomena. These texts, while containing valuable insights were not always accurate by today's standards and could limit the development of new knowledge.
Mysticism and Alchemy: Mysticism, spirituality, and alchemical pursuits were common medieval interests. Mystics sought spiritual connections with the divine, while alchemist experimented with transforming metals like lead into gold. These pursuits sometimes intersected with the study of the physical world but were not always based on empirical evidence.
It's important to note that not everyone held identical views during this period, and there were exceptions and variations in thought and beliefs that challenged or deviated from these general concepts. As the Middle Ages progressed, there were gradual shifts towards more empirical and scientific approaches that eventually led to the Scientific Revolution and the modern scientific worldview.