Answer:
Some
people in 18th century Europe think that print culture would bring
enlightenment and end disposition because
(i)
Spreading of New Ideas After the coming of print culture, the ideas of scientists
and philosophers now became more accessible to the common people. Ancient and medieval
scientific texts were compiled and published.
(ii)
Books as Medium of Progress By the 18th century, books became a medium of spreading
progress and enlightenment which could change society and the world. It was
also believed that the books could liberate society from despotism and tyranny.
(iii)
Writings of Scholars The writings of thinkers such as Jean Jacques Rousseau, Thomas
Paine and Voltaire were also widely printed and could gain popularity.
Thus,
their ideas about science, rationality and reasoning found their way into
popular literature.
(iv)
Scientific Discoveries Maps and more accurate scientific diagrams were widely printed
when scientists like lssac Newton began to publish their discoveries. They could
influence a much wider circle of scientifically-minded readers.
(v)
Ideas of Enlightened Thinkers Print popularised the ideas of the enlightened thinkers
like Martin Luther who attacked the authority of the church and the despotic
power of the state.
(vi)
A New Culture of Dialogue and Debate The printing press was believed to be the most
powerful engine of progress and public opinion.
Many
historians have argued that print culture created the conditions for the end of
despotism in France through the French Revolution. (5)
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